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Public
Health Precautions Related to Mass Trauma
This is an official CDC Health Advisory
Distributed
via Health Alert Network
March
16, 2004, 11:47 EST (11:47 AM EST)
CDCHAN-00189-04-03-16-ADV-N
Based on recent events in Spain and Pakistan, clinicians,
hospitals, and public health agencies should ensure that they are
prepared to respond to mass trauma related to terrorist bombings.
On March 11, 2004, bombs detonated on commuter trains in Madrid,
Spain, killing more than 200 people. On Monday, March 15,
2004, police successfully disarmed bombs in a van outside the U.S.
Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan. These events raise concerns
about the potential for similar attacks that may result in mass
trauma in the United States.
Mass trauma is defined as the injuries, death, disability, and emotional
stress caused by a catastrophic event, such as a large-scale natural
disaster or a terrorist attack. In the event of mass trauma,
clinicians, hospitals, and public health agencies should be prepared
to treat injuries, disability, and psychosocial (individual and
community) stress. Clinicians, hospitals, and public health
agencies need to also be prepared for a large number of fatalities.
Public health and medical
care systems (including physical and mental health, public information,
and social services) are encouraged to develop and review protocols
for the treatment of mass trauma. They are also encouraged
to develop and review hospital plans for dealing with surges in
demand for emergency care due to complex injuries, psychosocial
distress reactions, and the acute aggravation of chronic diseases
that may be triggered by the psychological terror of such events.
Fact
Sheets for Public Health Professionals and Clinicians
Preparedness
Tools for Public Health Professionals and Clinicians
Response
Tools for Public Health Professionals and Clinicians
Resources
for Public Health Professionals and Clinicians
Fact
sheets in English and Spanish for the Public
Additional
information on psychosocial stress as a result of a catastrophic
event can be found at:
Government Agencies
Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): www.samhsa.gov
Non-profit Organizations
American Red Cross:
www.redcross.org
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