Bioterrorism: An Assessment of Medical Response Capabilities at Ben Taub General Hospital
Abstract
Prior to September 11th, 2001, it was believed that an attack against the United States was not likely. Terrorism experts have always agreed the probability of such an attack was low but added it was not a matter of if or when, but where the attack will take place. There have been several incidents throughout the world that clearly demonstrate the different forms of biological terrorism that exist and how they are used at the will of a terrorist. Terrorism experts estimate only 25 percent of hospitals are at some level of preparedness and therefore able to respond to a bioterrorism incident. A prepared facility will be better prepared to deal with unknown outcomes with greater confidence in the preparedness of the community. Health care organizations cannot delay in the development and implementation of disaster management plans in preparing for a bioterrorism event. This project evaluates the bioterrorism response capabilities at one of Houston's only two level-one trauma centers using a bioterrorism preparedness survey. The results indicate areas that must be improved or will have a profound impact on the readiness posture of the hospital. The project concludes with recommendations that should be addressed first. The facilities senior leadership should discuss all of the survey results to ensure the highest level of preparedness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA421324
Entities
People
- Paul O. Begnoche
Organizations
- Ben Taub General Hospital