From bioterrorism to earthquakes - a unique guide for emergency responders

"A great read. At a time when funding for local preparedness efforts is waning, this book is a clarion call for reversing that trend. . . . Read it and be reminded how much depends on local response when catastrophe strikes."

-Thomas Inglesby, MD, CEO, Center for Biosecurity of UPMC

"An excellent addition to the discipline of disaster management. . . . Any disaster professional would benefit greatly from heeding its lessons."

-Jane Bullock, former Chief of Staff, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

"This book provides a unique approach to the true interdisciplinary requirements for responses to terrorist and disaster events. . . . It is an important read that will enhance our levels of preparedness."

-Marvin Birnbaum, MD, PhD, Chair of the Board of Directors and former president, World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine

Local Planning for Terror and Disaster presents a truly integrated approach to emergency response. It offers real-world strategies for handling all types of emergencies, covering such areas as bioterrorism, natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, public health policy, and emergency medicine. Written by leading experts on the cutting edge of terror medicine and other disciplines involved in local preparedness, the book clearly shows how proven techniques for dealing with terrorist attacks can be applied to accidental and natural disasters as well.

The authors begin with an overview of topics crucial for successful response efforts, discussing terror medicine, security, and communications among emergency responders. Throughout the remainder of the book they provide fascinating case studies, exploring the role of all involved in a given scenario-from emergency physicians and managers to law enforcement personnel and even bystanders and survivors. Each scenario includes detailed guidance on how to best communicate and coordinate response efforts among responders, assessment of the success or failure of response efforts, and suggestions for improvement.