Emergency Preparedness: Biological Weapons

Course overview

Bioterrorism, or a bioterrorist attack, occurs when someone knowingly releases biological weapons or agents to infect people, animals, or food (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020a). Biological weapons or agents are a subset of weapons of mass destruction that are bacteria, fungi, viruses, or other toxins that negatively impact human health (Occupational Safety and Health Administration [OSHA], n.d.). They may be naturally occurring or engineered for bioterrorism. Despite efforts to eradicate the use of biological weapons, bioterrorist threats against the U.S. remain concerning, and preparation remains essential for national security. The goal of this course is to equip nurses, physicians, clinical laboratory personnel, EMS personnel, and respiratory therapists with knowledge of the healthcare professional's role in emergency preparedness and response to biological weapons, including anthrax, plague, smallpox, and botulism.