The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #72101

Marilyn M. Gardner, PhD¹, Wayne Higgins, PhD¹, Charles Wainright, PhD¹, RG Handy, PhD, CIH¹, and Lee Brown, EMT, RN². (1) Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, STH 410E, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (2) WKU, Kentucky Emergency Medical Service Academy, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, KY 42101

As part of the states’ efforts to assess preparedness for possible terrorist attacks involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD), all emergency medical service (EMS) directors in the state of Kentucky (N=203) were surveyed by mail on various preparedness indicators: staffing communication and detection equipment, personal protective equipment and devices (PPE/PPD), and WMD-related education and training. A total of 164 directors (81%) responded.

Statewide, directors reported having 7,022 EMS responders (4,792 full-time). However, this number is likely inflated: 88 percent of directors reported that nearly a quarter of their staff worked for other public safety agencies.

Many responders (3,000+) have received formal training in hazardous materials awareness, patient decontamination, and personal protective equipment (PPE), and significant numbers (2,000+) have received specific training related to chemical, biological, and radiological incidents. However, few have received advanced hazardous materials, or terrorism awareness training.

Other deficiencies were identified in regional and organization planning, the ratio of PPE to EMT, advanced communication equipment, and equipment to detect chemical, biological, and radiological incidents.

Data were also stratified and analyzed descriptively using the 14 multi-county emergency Management Areas (EMAs) to detect regional differences. Large variations were observed across EMAs on all indicators of preparedness, suggesting the need to use larger geographical areas as the basis for regional planning.

The implications of these findings on the potential safety and health of EMTs is discussed.

The survey, conducted in conjunction with the Kentucky Emergency Medical Services Academy during the fall of 2002.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• identify indicators of WMD prepardness, and
• discuss the implications of the state's WMD preparedness indicators on the health and safety of emergency medical responders.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Emergency

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.