Hospitals are better equipped to respond effectively to potential threats when they have clearly defined procedures for reporting cases and accessing necessary resources.
This tool (Also known as the Zebra Book) was developed to be a comprehensive resource for clinical personnel by providing information on various aspects of biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism. It is intended to serve as an emergent guide book on what to do and where to seek information in the event of an attack.
The National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) serves as a critical tool for hospitals to prepare for and respond to potential terrorist incidents, ensuring patient and staff safety. Hospitals can use this system for important updates on the threat levels, potential terrorist activities, and for staying informed about evolving threats. Hospitals should also integrate NTAS alerts into their emergency planning and response strategies.
Shared by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), this tool addresses the special medical needs of children, and emphasizes how health care facilities must be prepared for both pediatric and adult victims of bio-terrorism attacks, including those resulting from dispersal of airborne or food borne agents.
This session, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Law Program and the Coordinating Office of Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response, provides key information on federal public emergency law.
Hospitals can help deter crime, violent incidents, and terrorism through reporting of suspicious activity.
The California State Threat Assessment System is an all-hazards information sharing partnership of Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies to connect suspicious activity reporting for potential terrorism or security issues. This partnership connects law enforcement through a network of interconnected Regional Threat Assessment Centers (RTACs) in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
The Ready or Not? report by the Trust for America’s Health offers an independent evaluation of the U.S.’s public health readiness, highlighting progress and areas needing improvement. It reviews state preparedness levels, the federal government’s role, and suggests enhancements for emergency response capabilities. The report promotes accountability in the use of taxpayer funds for health emergency readiness and recommends transitioning to a strategic, capability-focused system for effective response to health crises, including disease, disasters, and bio-terrorism threats. It also emphasizes the need for transparency to allow policymakers to accurately gauge the nation’s preparedness.
To maintain daily operations and patient care services, health care facilities need to develop an Emergency Water Supply Plan (EWSP) to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a total or partial interruption of the facilities’ normal water supply.
Violence against hospital employees is a significant issue with the potential for devastating consequences. Active shooter situations can be premeditated or spontaneous, and hospital employees should always maintain situational awareness and vigilance.