BIOTERRORISM AND WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

Course overview

Defines terrorism, bioterrorism, and weapons of mass destruction and summarizes the diseases and agents most commonly used as chemical, biologic, radiologic, and nuclear weapons. Outlines CDC recommendations and best practices. Learning Objectives *Define terrorism, bioterrorism, and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and list four main types of WMD. *For a chemical weapons event, summarize the agents most commonly used, the epidemiologic clues to and symptoms of a chemical release, and the appropriate first-receiver actions. *For a bioterrorism event, outline the CDC¿s three categories of agents, the clinical features of high-priority agents, and the best practices and reporting procedures for first receivers. *Describe the clinical features and treatment of exposure or injury from radiation, including acute radiation syndrome (ARS), and demonstrate ways to protect staff and patients during a radiation incident.