 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Donald F. Sutton, PhD1, Robin Finegan, JD1, Krista Flannigan, MSW1, Arthur J. Davidson, MD, MSPH2, and Gregory M. Bogdan, PhD3. (1) Denver Center for Public Health Preparedness, Denver Health, Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, 1001 Yosemite St. Suite 200, Denver, CO 80230, (303)739-1206, don.sutton@rmpdc.org, (2) Denver Center for Public Health Preparedness, Denver Public Health Department, 605 Bannock Street, Denver, CO 80204, (3) Denver Center for Public Health Preparedness, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Center, 1001 Yosemite St, Denver, CO 80230
The skills of a wide variety of emergency responders are brought to bear in a mass casualty incident. These catastrophic events, whether natural disasters or intentional acts like terrorism, wreak havoc on all those who are involved. Not only those present at the time of the event but also those who respond to it are impacted. The physical, emotional and psychological consequences of a mass casualty event all must be attended to before communities and individuals can begin to heal. A terrorism event is unique in that those effected are both victims of a crime as well as witnesses to it, dual roles with different consequences in the post-event period.
Victim Assistance personnel are among the first responders to a crime scene or terrorist attack. They quickly assist people in coping with the immediate crises (obtaining medical care,food, water, safety of loved ones) and then continue their assistance in subsequently helping the victim innavigating through the long, complex terrain of the legal system (interviews, depositions, testimony). From the beginning of the disaster until the last day in court and sometimes beyond, Victim Assistance personnel provide continuous emotional and psychological support.
A better understanding of the function and capabilities of Victim Assistance personnel by others involved in disaster response is needed. This will guarantee their fuller participation and greater utilization in helping those affected. Public health agencies need to understand the role of Victim Assistance advocates and their role as partners on the public health team.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Advocacy, Bioterrorism
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.