Despite the resources dedicated since 2001 to training health providers in emergency and bioterrorism preparedness and response, the literature on the participation of physician assistants (PAs) is very limited. The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the training level and experiences of PAs in the diagnosis and treatment of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive agents that could be used in a bioterrorism attack. The study population consisted of licensed PAs in 37 northern Texas counties. Data were collected through mailed and web-based surveys. Response rate was 36%. More than half of the respondents (58.6%) had not participated in bioterrorism preparedness and response training. Results also indicated that the level of training has not increased since September 11, 2001. However, most respondents were receptive to the idea of participating in both preparedness training and response efforts. It is recommended that state agencies increase training opportunities for PAs in bioterrorism preparedness and response.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/bsp.2006.4.301 | DOI Listing |
Records suggest Bacillus anthracis was used in biowarfare during World War II, but evidence remains limited. We isolated B. anthracis from soil at the remains of a World War II-era laboratory in China.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFActa Med Port
January 2025
Faculdade de Medicina. Universidade de Lisboa. Lisboa; Unidade Local de Saúde da Arrábida. Setúbal. Portugal.
The Marburg and Ebola viruses belong to the Filoviridae family and are known to cause emerging zoonotic diseases. These viruses have a high case fatality rate and are easily transmissible from person to person, which makes them capable of triggering outbreaks, including in non-endemic regions, and are also considered agents of bioterrorism. Fruit bats are the natural reservoirs of these filoviruses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMC Nurs
November 2024
Emergency Medicine, Institute of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.
Disaster Med Public Health Prep
October 2024
The University of Newcastle School of Nursing and Midwifery, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
Objectives: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers are critical to effective disaster response. Therefore, it is important to understand their knowledge, skills, and preparedness for disasters. This study investigated factors influencing EMS workers' disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness in the Saudi Arabian context.
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