A large-scale points-of-dispensing exercise for first responders and first receivers in Nassau County, New York.

Points of dispensing (PODs) are vital for responding to events that require mass chemoprophylaxis, such as bioterrorist attacks or pandemic influenza. This article evaluates the operational success of a large-scale dispensing drill for first responders and first receivers, focusing on differences in functioning of PODs by practice discipline and POD model. PODs were operated by either first responders (EMS, fire, or police) or first receivers (hospitals).

Pediatric emergency preparedness training: are we on a path toward national dissemination?

Background: Emergency preparedness training is crucial for all health professionals, but the physiologic, anatomic, and psychologic differences between children and adults necessitates that health professionals receive training specific to pediatric emergencies. Before a standardized, nationally disseminated pediatric curriculum can be developed or endorsed, evidence-based evaluations of short- and long-term outcomes need to be conducted.

Methods: A review of literature was conducted to identify developed courses and any evaluation of these courses.

Assessment of emergency preparedness of veterinarians in New York.

Veterinarians have unique skills and abilities that could be useful in preparing for and responding to disasters and emergencies. However, veterinarians are often absent from emergency preparedness planning and exercises, and little is known about veterinarians' perceptions of emergency preparedness. A focus group was conducted among veterinarians to explore issues such as previous emergency-preparedness education, types of training needed, barriers to participation in training, and future steps to overcome identified barriers.

The National Training Strategy for emergency preparedness: collective lessons learned.

Seven distinct National Training Strategy programs were developed to meet the needs of the nation's community healthcare providers. Data on barriers and challenges, lessons learned, and best practices of the seven programs were collected from unpublished grant reports written by National Training Strategy awardees. Commonly reported themes were reviewed and compiled into these collective lessons learned.

Emergency preparedness training for veterinarians: prevention of zoonotic transmission.

Natural zoonotic outbreaks can cause widespread devastation, and several zoonoses can be transmitted as agents of bioterrorism. Although veterinarians can be vital in controlling the transmission of zoonotic diseases, many lack knowledge about their roles in emergency response and about zoonoses. A training session titled "Prevention of Zoonotic Disease Transmission" was provided for New York veterinarians.

Exercise and epilepsy: a survey of Midwest epilepsy patients.

Obesity and lack of physical activity are an increasing problem. In addition to common barriers to physical activity, people with epilepsy also face fear of exercise-induced seizures, medication side effects, and, often, confusing advice regarding the safety of exercise. To explore barriers faced by people with epilepsy, we mailed a survey to 412 adult patients with epilepsy from an epilepsy center in Kansas.

Influenza vaccine coverage and presenteeism in Sedgwick County, Kansas.

The likelihood of persons working while ill, a practice known as "presenteeism," must be assessed when making preparations for pandemic influenza. A questionnaire was distributed to evaluate various health care professionals' past presenteeism, future intent to work with an influenza-like illness (ILI), and vaccination status. Of the respondents who reported that they would call in sick, 47% reported previously working with an ILI.

Regional Health System Response to the 2007 Greensburg, Kansas, EF5 Tornado.

Background: On May 4, 2007 an EF5 tornado hit the rural community of Greensburg, KS, destroying 95% of the town and resulting in 12 fatalities.

Methods: Data was requested from the emergency medical services units that initially responded and the regional hospitals that received people injured in the tornado within 24 hours following the tornado. Requested data included patient age and sex, and injury severity score or ICD-9 codes.

Community health centers and emergency preparedness: an assessment of competencies and training needs.

Community health centers (CHCs) provide care to a large number of medically underserved Americans. As primary care providers and trusted members of their communities, CHCs need to be prepared to respond to emergency and disaster situations, as they may be relied upon for medical care and other support services. Focus groups were conducted with CHC medical directors and administrators from New York City.