title: Hospital preparedness for chemical and radiological disasters.
abstract: Hospital planning for chemical or radiological events is essential but all too often treated as a low priority. Although some other types of disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes may be more frequent, chemical and radiological emergencies have the potential for major disruptions to clinical care. Thorough planning can mitigate the impact of a chemical or radiological event. Planning needs to include all 4 phases of an event: mitigation (preplanning), preparation, response, and recovery. Mitigation activities should include the performance of a hazards vulnerability analysis and identification of local subject-matter experts and team leaders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine and Grady Health System, Emory University, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA. Electronic address: bmoor02@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Brooks L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine and Grady Health System, Emory University, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Geller
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine and Grady Health System, Emory University, 49 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
authors.forename: Charlotte
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D004189:Disaster Planning; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000600:supply & distribution; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017751:Safety Management
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations
keywords: Chemical injuries; Hospital preparedness; Radiological injuries