Community response and testing of the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile in a metropolitan area

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

4027.0: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - 9:45 AM

Abstract #48165

William A. Wetter, MS, EMT-Paramed, Michael J. Silvers, DO, MPH, and Kraig E. Humbaugh, MD, MPH. Jefferson County Health Department, 400 East Gray Street, Louisville, KY 40201-1704, 502-574-6623, bwetter@co.jefferson.ky.us

Introduction In August, 2001 the city of Louisville, KY. played out an unscripted series of unannounced events, initiated by the CDC, in which a bio-terror weapon needed to be identified, the citizens at risk contacted and the products of the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS) activated and disseminated.

Methods The event began when the Jefferson County Health Department was notified by police that a clandestine, biological weapon dispersal unit had been found. Teams of nurses, epidemiologists and hospital representatives determined that based on the description of illnesses the population had been exposed to aerosolized tularemia. The State Commissioner of Health was notified to activate the NPS. The exercise ended when the NPS arrived and local agencies had initiated plans for its dispersal.

Results The JCHD was able to identify the agent and establish and maintain effective communication and coordination with state, federal and local command centers using a previously established system developed by an interagency group. Operations were sustained on a 24/7 basis. The NPS products were delivered on-time and effective plans had been made for their dispersal. The exercise ended prior to the mobilization of citizens for treatment and isolation. All objectives for the exercise were attained.

Conclusions Pre-established, written protocols for: communication, the roles of law enforcement, health department and various agencies provided critical direction in the successful outcome of the event. Also, the mobilization of local facilities such as hospitals and universities in order to gain access to their health care data and distribution systems proved an invaluable resource.

Learning Objectives:

Learning objectives

1. Describe the differences between a “player driven”, unscripted exercise and conventional scenarios used in the past.
2. Provide the general knowledge needed to activate the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS).
3. Illustrate the importance of communication between agencies during a crisis event
4. Describe the roles of local hospitals, law enforcement, EMS, etc during a bio-terror event.
5. Be aware of the role of the Air National Guard in the reception and breakdown of the NPS.
6. Test the planning for – and response to – a bio-terror event between local, state and federal partners.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Field Experience

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Chemical and Biological Terrorism: Are We Prepared to Protect Public Health?

The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA