The Issues

Advocate for better protection of frontline responders from the effects of biological, chemical, and nuclear agents

In a disaster involving biological, chemical or nuclear agents, frontline responders need to be appropriately protected in order to carry out their mission. Firefighters, EMS workers, emergency physicians, nurses, public health department staff and other frontline responders must be equipped with the necessary protective equipment and trained in the equipment's use. Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to clothing and respiratory apparatus designed to shield an individual from chemical, biological or other physical hazards. Today, frontline responder organizations are not stocked with suitable PPE to protect those who may be exposed, nor are they adequately trained in the use of this equipment in a biological or chemical attack, particularly one involving an unknown agent. Protecting frontline responders will also involve ensuring that they have priority access to vaccines, antibiotics, and other resources so that they can continue to provide services to the community in the event of a terrorist act involving a biological or chemical agent.