Regardless of what many experts perceive as the likelihood of a biological attack, continuing
improvements in U.S. public health preparedness programs are necessary to ensure more effective response
operations and save countless lives. A cooperative approach to biodefense planning should include an
expansion of the nation’s existing arsenal of medical countermeasures and the development and production
of additional vaccines.
The unthinkable can happen at any time, and in any place. Being able to track and credential first
responders in a timely manner against the unseen perils in today’s dangerous world can save many lives.
This podcast interview provides important insights on the effective use and training of intelligent
accountability systems.
Biological weapons are the most significant threat the United States now faces. Identifying the
signs and symptoms early is the best method of defending against such weapons, but U.S. military
personnel are not yet properly equipped and trained to identify and prevent the spread of such threats.
The first step in preparing for a “Black Swan” event is to confirm that it actually exists. Once that is done, it is important to recognize its potential impact, implement the plans and strategies needed, and understand the roles played by all stakeholders involved.
Law enforcement officers, medical examiners, and coroners are now able to accumulate more data more quickly in their efforts to solve missing-person cases. Moreover, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System not only provides a wealth of helpful information to public agencies but also empowers families to help locate their loved ones.
The federal government shutdown caused major disruptions throughout the nation. Federal employees are now back at work, but employees of U.S. public health laboratories still risk losing much more than their paychecks. Congressional budget conflicts and further public health funding reductions are likely in the near future, and those cuts may not be worth the adverse consequences that follow.
Private companies and public agencies conduct business as usual most days, but emergency planners at these organizations should be acutely aware not only of the company’s vulnerabilities but also of […]
During emergencies, every minute within the “golden hour” is of lifesaving importance. One county fire department in Maryland has developed and implemented a new protocol that shaves valuable time off the dispatching process. Getting medical units en route in less time ensures fast delivery of medical care to those who need it most.
Resilience for those with functional needs requires two things: (a) that these citizens personally
understand what to expect during an emergency response; and (b) that emergency responders understand the
physical and psychological impact not only on those with long-time functional needs but also on those
suffering from what are described as “newly acquired” disabilities.
Public health agencies play a central role in responding to many different types of manmade and natural emergency situations – including, but not limited to, outbreaks of pandemic influenza, biological attacks, radiological incidents/events, and extreme weather emergencies. Unfortunately, the increased number of multi-casualty incidents in recent years (e.g., the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic, and even the 2011 earthquake and follow-on tsunami in Northern Japan) has changed the perspectives of many healthcare workers on how sudden disasters personally affect them and their families.
Regardless of what many experts perceive as the likelihood of a biological attack, continuing
improvements in U.S. public health preparedness programs are necessary to ensure more effective response
operations and save countless lives. A cooperative approach to biodefense planning should include an
expansion of the nation’s existing arsenal of medical countermeasures and the development and production
of additional vaccines. 
Public health agencies play a central role in responding to many different types of manmade and natural emergency situations – including, but not limited to, outbreaks of pandemic influenza, biological attacks, radiological incidents/events, and extreme weather emergencies. Unfortunately, the increased number of multi-casualty incidents in recent years (e.g., the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic, and even the 2011 earthquake and follow-on tsunami in Northern Japan) has changed the perspectives of many healthcare workers on how sudden disasters personally affect them and their families. 