Preparedness of Hospitals for Response to Chemical Terrorist Incidents: Review and Recommendations

Abstract

The burden of responding to chemical attacks in the event of a terrorist event will fall to local hospitals, both primary and tertiary, as well as primary care physicians. Despite this, previous efforts, including the Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996, have failed to produce such readiness. Additionally, in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, little improvements have been made to the preparedness of such hospitals or providers to respond to a chemical terrorist attack. As such, this study makes recommendations on how integrated chemical terrorist attack plans can be implemented, including upgrading of both the clinical skills and well as the infrastructure of hospitals and providers, as well as the designation of regional/citywide chemical receiving facilities.

Keywords: terrorism, public health preparedness, hospital preparedness, emergency response, emergency health management, disaster risk management, chemical terrorism