The Importance of Public Health Preparedness for Bioterrorism Attacks

This essay delves into the critical importance of public health preparedness in the face of bioterrorism attacks. It begins by highlighting the potential catastrophic effects of such attacks, emphasizing the need for a well-prepared public health system capable of handling casualties and health complications. The essay underscores the significance of rapid identification of biological substances used in attacks, the training of healthcare workers, and the establishment of effective communication protocols to manage panic and disseminate crucial information. It also acknowledges the challenges in preparedness, such as the possibility of overstretched healthcare resources and the use of novel biological weapons. The author references several studies to support the arguments, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement in preparedness strategies to protect the public.

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Bioterrorism Preparedness
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Bioterrorism Attack
A bioterrorism attack could be either announced or unannounced. An attack on
public places using biological weapons or bombs can have a catastrophic effect on a
nation. If such an event occurs, the public health system needs to be prepared to
handle it since it comes with a lot of casualties and health complications on those who
are affected (Simpson, 2018). One of the reasons why the public health sector needs
to be prepared for bioterrorism is that it affects humans mainly through inhalation
(Bhatt, Rajesh & Thakur, 2017). For example, in the case of radiology attack, the
people responding to the attack should have protective masks and avoid being close to
prevent the radioactive materials from affecting them. If the public healthcare workers
and first responders have the proper equipment, they can manage to save many lives
by rushing them to hospital and performing first Aid.
Public health also needs to be prepared so that it can identify the biological
substance which has been used in the terrorist activity. For example, if the attack is
caused by anthrax or variola, the experts can identify them quickly and find the
necessary medication. The ability to identify the chemical or the element used makes
it possible for the victims of the attack to get the appropriate treatment and hence to
prevent loss of lives (D’Arcangelis, 2017). If the public health sector is not well
prepared, it may take a lot of time to identify the chemical substances used to carry
out the attack. By this time, a lot of people who would have needed urgent medical
attention will be dead.
Preparedness of public health helps in ensuring that healthcare workers are
trained on how they should respond if such an attack occurs (Green et al., 2019). The
medical professionals understand how to offer first aid services and the right
medication that they should provide the victims to stabilize them. For example, in the

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case twin towers bombing, a lot of health workers and volunteers required training on
first aid services to save lives. These workers must have adequate training to carry out
rescue operations well.
Preparedness by public health ensures that there is effective communication. This
prevents unnecessary panic while at the same time, ensuring that the public
understands the seriousness and the nature of the event so that they can take necessary
measures to protect themselves (Wagar, 2016). Communication can also help to seek
help from the public, for example, requesting blood donations or volunteers to help
the injured.
One of the challenges in bioterrorism preparedness is that there is a possibility of
the health facilities being overstretched (Atakro et al., 2019). If an attack occurs
targeting many people, it can result in very many people getting affected to the extent
that the available healthcare resources get overstretched. For example, the 9/11 attack.
Another challenge of preparing for such an attack is that the terrorists might use a
relatively new chemical or weapon (Bhatt et al., 2017). It might, therefore, mean that
the public health will take a considerable time before they identify the weapons used
and find the right treatment for those who are affected.

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References
Atakro, C. A., Addo, S. B., Aboagye, J. S., Blay, A. A., Amoa-Gyarteng, K. G.,
Menlah, A., ... & Sarpong, L. (2019). Nurses' and Medical Officers' Knowledge,
Attitude, and Preparedness Toward Potential Bioterrorism Attacks. SAGE Open
Nursing, 5, 2377960819844378.
Bhatt, S., Rajesh, G., & Thakur, D. (2017). Knowledge, perceived need for education,
and willingness to participate in bioterrorism preparedness among students in an
indian dental institute: A questionnaire study. Medical Journal of Dr. DY Patil
University, 10(6), 526.
D’Arcangelis, G. (2017). Reframing the ‘securitization of public health’: a critical
race perspective on post-9/11 bioterrorism preparedness in the US. Critical
Public Health, 27(2), 275-284.
Green, M. S., LeDuc, J., Cohen, D., & Franz, D. R. (2019). Confronting the threat of
bioterrorism: realities, challenges, and defensive strategies. The Lancet Infectious
Diseases, 19(1), e2-e13.
Simpson, J. N. (2018). Bioterrorism attacks involving pediatric patients: preparedness
and early recognition are critical. Pediatric emergency medicine practice, 15(12),
1-24.
Wagar, E. (2016). Bioterrorism and the role of the clinical microbiology laboratory.
Clinical microbiology reviews, 29(1), 175-189.