Planning for Terrorism

In 2004, CDC published the National Public Health Strategy for Terrorism Preparedness and Response Guide to provide information on the following areas  

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In spite of this and other warnings, most primary care physicians have spent little time planning for terrorism. One reason may be the rarity of these events, especially on US soil. Until recently, the only reported case of bioterrorism in the United States was the 1984 salmonella attack in Oregon. It is unlikely that authors of family medicine textbooks written before September 2001 considered devoting significant space for discussions about how family physicians should respond to terrorist attacks. 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Biological and Chemical Terrorism Strategic Plan for Preparedness and Response. Recommendations of the CDC Strategic Planning Workgroup." Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 49 (RR-4) (2000) 1-14. 

CDC has been preparing for some time for the remote possibility of an outbreak of smallpox as an act of terror. That process has intensified since September 11, 2001. Although we are planning for this possibility to protect public health, we have no indication that there is an imminent threat. As part of the ongoing effort to increase awareness, CDC has distributed a draft of a smallpox preparedness plan to reviewers for comment. It will then be reviewed by state health departments, which will participate in its implementation. However, if needed, it could be put in operation immediately. 

CDC. Biological and chemical terrorism strategic plan for preparedness and response. MMWR 2000, 49(no. RR-4). 

Department of Health and Human Services Health and Medical Services Support Plan for the Federal Response Acts of Chemical/Biological (C/B) Terrorism. Washington, D.C. Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP), of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), undated. 

Chung, S., Shannon, M. (2005). Hospital planning for acts of terrorism and other public health emergencies involving children. Archives of Diseases in Children, 90, 1300-1307. 

Khan, A., Levitt, A., and Sage, M., Biological and chemical terrorism strategic plan for preparedness and response, MMWR Morb. Mortal. Wkly. Rep., 49, 1-14, 2000. 

Filatov analyses a large spectrum of chemical terrorism medical issues such as planning for medical response to terrorist acts, potentially dangerous chemical agents, chemical expertise of contaminated focal points, personal-protection equipment and personnel training. 

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