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

• Communication.
• Technical augmentation (e.g., modeling).
• Surveying and monitoring the incident site.
• Facility decontamination.
For more information about DOD and its capabilities, go to http://www.defenselink.mil/.
Summary
Federal assistance has been used successfully for many years to respond to the emergent medical
requirements of victims of natural disasters throughout the United States. Recent terrorist attacks
within the United States have increased the Nation’s investment in homeland security through
increased State, local, and regional health and medical resource development and acquisition in
response to events involving weapons of mass destruction. Federal assistance is provided
through the lead and supporting agencies designated within the NRP, including DoD.
While Federal response assets are robust, timely management focused on the needs of at-risk
groups is paramount to victim survival and positive medical outcome. Pediatric patients are
among the populations gaining national attention regarding the need for appropriate medical
support, including appropriate supplies and equipment, during a disaster. Historical data on
disaster response, including the personal experiences of health care providers and victims,
reinforce the medical requirements of pediatric populations. All sectors—Federal, State,
regional, and local—must continue to be prepared to provide medical resources to a disaster, but
these entities also must give attention to the needs of specific populations, including children.
This is the best way to improve morbidity and mortality in response to mass casualty events.
Bibliography
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About CDC. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/aboutcdc.htm. Accessed August 17, 2006.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Biological and chemical terrorism: strategic
plan for preparedness and response. Recommendations of the CDC Strategic Work
Group. MMWR. 2000;49(No. RR-4):1–14.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PHIN’s Early Event Detection Component.
Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/phincomponents/PHIN%20Brochure-
%20BioSense%20.ppt. Accessed August 17, 2006.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC’s Disease Surveillance System Efforts:
Testimony of Joseph M. Henderson, Director, Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Before the Select Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on
Emergency Preparedness and Response, U.S. House of Representatives, September 24,
2003. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/washington/testimony/Bi924200355.htm.
Accessed August 17, 2006.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Clinician Registry. Available at:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/clinregistry/index.asp. Accessed August 7, 2006.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemic Intelligence Service. Available at
http://www.cdc.gov/eis/index.htm. Accessed August 17, 2006.
22