Individual Preparedness And Response To Chemical Radiological Nuclear And Biological Terrorist Attacks

Individuals may have to rely on themselves to protect their own health and safety--perhaps even their own lives--in the event of a terrorist attack. Even those who know how to take care of themselves in the event of a fire, tornado, or earthquake might not know what to do in case of a chemical, radiological, nuclear, or biological attack. This quick guide attempts to fill in some of these gaps by offering specific actions to take during each of these situations, as well as preparations that can be taken. These actions are appropriate regardless of the likelihood of an attack, its scale, or the current government alert level; are designed to be sensitive to potential variations; and have been defined in terms of simple rules that should be easy to follow. A reference card included at the back of the guide encapsulates the key points and can be removed for display in a prominent place.

Even people who consider themselves prepared to deal with common emergencies might not know what to do during a chemical, radiological, nuclear, or biological attack. This quick guide offers suggestions about how individuals can prepare for such attacks and what actions they can take during each type of attack to protect their own health and safety--and, possibly, their own lives.

You may be prepared for disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, or fires, but what should you do in the event of a terrorist attack that used chemical, radiological, nuclear, or biological weapons? What can you do to prepare for these types of terrorist attacks? This quick guide attempts to fill in some of these gaps, offering specific steps to take during each of these situations. It discusses basic principles and preparations that may improve your ability to respond and survive these attacks. The recommendations are appropriate regardless of the likelihood of an attack, its scale, or the current government alert level. Response strategies and preparations are designed to be sensitive to potential variations and have been defined in terms of clear, simple rules that will be easy to remember and follow. A removable reference card is included for your convenience. Book jacket.

Annotation This Quick Guide presents basic principles and preparations that may improve an individual's ability to respond to and survive terrorist attacks that use chemical, radiological, nuclear, or biological weapons. A removable reference card is included.

There is much the nation must do-and is doing-to guard against and prepare for terrorist attacks. In some possible situations, individuals may have to rely on themselves to protect their own health and safety-perhaps even their own lives. Thus, individual preparedness is an important element of our nation's strategy for homeland security. Many people know how to respond in such disasters as fires and earthquakes, but few would know what to do if someone were to use a chemical, radiological, nuclear, or biological weapon in their vicinity. Although the characteristics of such attacks may vary widely and their likelihood is highly uncertain, they can all create unfamiliar and very dangerous circumstances. Consequently, individuals need an overall strategy they can use to prepare for and respond to such attacks. This guide emerged from a detailed what-if, scenario-driven analysis we conducted to examine four types of terrorist attacks: chemical, radiological, nuclear, and biological. In each case, the response strategy is guided by a fundamental objective, which we refer to as an overarching goal, which in turn depends on taking certain actions. We have distilled our findings into this guide to offer individuals a series of actions they can take to save lives, even in catastrophic situations.

This book provides guidance on measures that should be considered to protect human lives from terrorist activities involving nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. It provides a historical summary of the development and use of these weapons, and continues with a detailed discussion of the types of radiation and warfare agents that are available, including methods for dispersing them. The text also analyzes human exposure to radiation or chemical and biological agents, along with treatment methods that are available to treat exposed individuals. The authors provide an exploratory look at emergency preparedness measures that can be enacted to mitigate future emergencies, including training techniques and strategies.

Offering in-depth coverage of biologic, chemical, and radiologic agents, this timely book helps family physicians understand their role in preparing for and responding to terrorist events. The text considers the physical and psychological impact on providers and patients who are directly affected as well as spillover effects. It also examines the structure, function, and planning efforts of the public health system at the local, state, and federal levels. Emphasis is placed on how physicians can work with health officials on the delivery of preventive and therapeutic measures.