Pediatric Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness: A ... - PHE Home

explosions, structural collapses, transportation failures, and many more. The medical and public
health responses to such events depend on the incident and type of hazardous material involved.
Although less predictable than natural disasters, accidental disasters are more preventable. Basic
safety procedures and equipment, adequate training, and proper maintenance can go a long way
toward preventing accidents. Emergency response training, safety drills and simulations, and
medical training in appropriate responses to hazardous agents can greatly limit subsequent injury
and death when accidents occur.
Intentional anthropogenic disasters. Intentional manmade disasters are the least predictable,
with no restrictions other than the limits of the imagination of a deviant mind. The nature of
these disasters can vary from simple arson or sabotage, to release of chemical or biological
agents, or even to detonation of a primitive nuclear device. These disasters are associated with
most of the hazards described for accidental, and sometimes even natural, disasters. However,
the malicious nature of the event and the fear associated with biological, chemical, and nuclear
agents result in even greater stress and social disruption.
Terrorists do not consider the age of victims, only the impact of their act on furthering a cause.
Children have been and will be victims of terrorist acts. Schools, gyms, sporting events, concerts,
amusement parks, shopping malls, or any other place where there are mass gatherings are all
potential terrorist targets. Release of a product into the ventilation system of a local school or any
of the other sites could result in rapid spread of an agent throughout a community.
Aftermath
Many deaths are possible in the aftermath of a disaster. Because considerable injury and
destruction can be associated with any disaster, management after a disaster is critically
important. The disruption caused by disasters can result in widespread disease from unhygienic
conditions. Fuel leaks, live wires, and other hazards can cause injury or start fires. The physical
and emotional stress associated with the event and cleanup can result in heart attacks,
musculoskeletal injuries, mental illness, and other stress-related disorders. Displaced wildlife can
hamper relief efforts and endanger workers. Injuries can also result from improper use of chain
saws or other mechanical equipment involved in clean-up efforts. Children are especially prone
to injury or poisoning through access to debris, chemicals, equipment, and other agents
discovered while exploring in the aftermath of the disaster.
When returning to a building or structure after a disaster, occupants need to check for structural
damage, gas leaks, downed power lines, or other potentially hazardous situations. Sites should be
inspected during daylight so that hazards are visible, and only battery-powered flashlights or
lanterns should be used for auxiliary light, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or other open-flame
devices.
Immediately after a disaster, governments and community organizations will be called upon to
provide safe (e.g., bottled) drinking water, as well as shelter, food, clothing, and medical care for
displaced people. Victims will also look to these organizations for other services, including
counseling and assistance with insurance claims and other sources of emergency funds.
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