The Issues

Advocate for increased and enhanced training programs, continuing education, and community drills concerning disasters

Front line responders must be trained to detect and respond to all types of potential disasters in a coordinated and integrated way. Educational programs must be established and sustained to enhance awareness of chemical, biological and radiological terrorism and joint training exercises must be developed and implemented to assure adequate and timely coordination of multi-agency, local, state, and federal partner responses during actual events. Specific training geared to the needs of clinicians, first responders, health departments, and other partners is essential to assure rapid and effective response.