HealthComm Hawaii

Weapons of Mass Destruction

A look at the biological event component
Toby Clairmont
May 23, 2000


 

 Comparison of Chemical versus Biological attack

C: Focal event - single place
B: Multi-focal event - many places simultaneously

C: Immediate (early) onset - symptoms evident immediately
B: Delayed onset - symptoms may not be evident for days

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City and County Biological Incident Response Plan (BIRP) under development

Initially, casualties of a biological incident may not be recognized. For example, many primary care providers may believe it is a seasonal influenza outbreak.

Later, increasing casualties will overwhelm medical facilities

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Barriers to effective management:

1. Recognition and identification of biological agent
2. Segregation of casualties and uninfected people
3. Inadequate supply of medications and vaccines
4. Expected casualties of up to 10% of population (approx. 100,000 casualties)

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Treatment Strategy

1. Open up Treatment and Referral Facilities (TARF)
2. Screen casualties and provide minor treatment
3. Refer casualties to appropriate medical facilities
4. Available facilities: 13 local hospitals
5. 30 - 60 TARFs in support of field care and hospital referrals

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Needs:

Emergency communications (Amateur Radio) to supplement expected disruption of normal communications channels.

Question: How to utilize Ham Radio in support of State, City, CD, EOC, Medical and TARF organizations.

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Scenario:

1. Long term sustainability (in terms of weeks) expected.
2. Safety of Ham Operators from infection and physical assault
3. How to network communications with the agencies.

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Changing paradigm:

Move from a fixed site, fixed allocation scenario to a role-based mobile operations paradigm.

Considerations:

1. Review mix of people / skills required
2. Recruit many more Hams for TARFs and long term support (weeks)
3. Training for flexible response and general equipment operations
4. Develop "cookbook" manuals for expected non-local volunteer hams
5. Develop mobilization and deployment strategy
6. Maintain interest and skill level considering the "low risk, high vulnerability" aspect.

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Note:

This seminar was conducted via the 147.22 VHF repeater courtesy of St Francis Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii during a HealthComm Hawaii meeting. This is the first known tele-conference seminar via Amateur Radio on Oahu.

 
     
     


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