Terrorism in America

Abstract

The response of the United States to a perceived terrorist threat is dichotomous. The hyperbole and exaggeration often displayed by the media and general public lies in stark contrast to the relative indifference with which terrorism is regarded by the medical community. Quantitating the true nature of the terrorist threat in the United States is difficult, as it is not only poorly defined but rapidly changing. The intent of this commentary is to define what constitutes terrorism and what specific threats exist, including conventional, nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. We will then outline recommendations for modest changes in our disaster medical planning to better prepare for these threats. Special attention will be directed at the emergence of nonconventional weapon use by terrorist organizations and how this might affect the civilian medical community.

Health implications of radiological terrorism: Perspectives from Israel

“…Such a drill can use simulated casualties that are triaged and evacuated to hospitals or can be a desktop drill that is mentioned to evaluate the plans and the command itself. [2–14]…”

“…These centers should be prepared to triage and decontaminate them, according to their medical status, before entering the building – as in the triage of Chemical Warfare victims. [2–18]…”

“…In such a scenario, all people in the suspected contaminated area should be called to the evacuation center where they should undergo the same procedure as above; contamination survey, decontamination and medical evaluation. [2–518]…”

“…[2] At the end of their work, they should be undressed at designated exit posts and transferred to the evacuation center for contamination survey, decontamination and medical evaluation. [2–518]…”

“…Terror attacks could also carry out mass panic and radioactive contamination of people and environment by dispersal of radioactive materials with or without the use of conventional explosive devices. [2–5]…”