Terrorism preparedness: Web-based resource management and the TOPOFF 3 exercise.
BACKGROUND
The bombings of London on July 7, 2005 highlight the need for continued vigilance and readiness to respond to terrorist attacks. Trauma centers need to be at the core of preparedness activities. The State of Connecticut has taken a lead in preparedness and was selected as a site for the US Department of Homeland Security's Top Officials Three Exercise (TOPOFF 3), the largest and most extensive antiterrorism drill ever conducted.


METHODS
All 32 acute care hospitals in Connecticut took part in the drill. The simulated attacks were designed to test all aspects of emergency preparedness including the ability of hospitals to treat large numbers of victims and effectively monitor and implement mechanisms for surge capacity. In Connecticut, TOPOFF 3 tested the Bioterrorism Preparedness Web Application that was designed to be the primary communication and resource management tool during a terrorist event or public health emergency. This paper describes: 1) the impetus for the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health's Bioterrorism Preparedness Web Application; 2) the strategies used to ensure its readiness and appropriate utilization during a public health emergency; and 3) its use for communication and resource management by the Department of Public Health and the acute care hospitals during TOPOFF 3.


RESULTS
The Bioterrorism Preparedness Web Application was successfully implemented and used during TOPOFF 3 to assess surge capacity and other resources.


CONCLUSIONS
Careful development and implementation of the Web application, or any communication system, as well as training and regular practice are required to ensure effective use during a public health emergency.
Jacobs
Lenworth M
LM
Department of Traumatology and Emergency Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and the Trauma Program, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut 06102-5037, USA. ljacobs@harthosp.org
Burns
Karyl J
KJ
D023482:Bioterrorism / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003237:Connecticut; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006287:Health Planning Guidelines; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity; D006751:Hospital Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000458:organization & administration; D012066:Relief Work / Q000458:organization & administration; D040841:Resource Allocation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D023481:Terrorism / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States