Management of Public Health Emergencies

A Resource Guide for Physicians and Other Community Responders

This guide is also available free on CD-ROM.  To obtain a copy, please contact Jim Lyznicki, MS, MPH at (312) 464-4520, or send an E-mail to disastercd@ama-assn.org

Table of Contents (PDF, 331KB requires Adobe® Reader®)

Section 1 - Overview and Disclaimer

Section 2 - When Disaster Strikes (PDF, 618KB)

• Introduction
• Immediate Emergency Response Information
  • Reporting Safety and Security Concerns
  • Personal Emergency Reference Card  
  • Seeking Disaster Relief
  • Critical Emergency Preparedness Steps for Physicians and Other Community Responders
• Additional Resources
  • Talking with Children About Disaster and Tragedy
  • Disaster Planning for Individuals, Families and Businesses
  • General Information for Health Professionals
  • Resources for Hospital and Community Planners
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Suggested Reading List

Section 3 - Weather-Related and Other Natural Disasters  (PDF, 153KB)

• Introduction
• General Weather Information
• Drought and Water Conservation
• Earthquakes
• Floods
• Heat Waves
• Hurricanes/Tropical Storms
• Landslides
• Thunderstorms
• Tornadoes
• Tsunamis
• Volcanoes
• Wildfires
• Winter Storms

Section 4 - The Threat of Terrorism (PDF, 111KB)

Section 5 - Mass Trauma and Explosive Events  (PDF, 53KB)

Section 6 - Biological Emergencies (PDF, 596KB)

• Introduction
• Immediate Medical Response Information
  • Quick Reference Guides
  • Key Points About Bioterrorism
  • Key Medical Resources
  • Reporting Safety and Security Concerns
• Additional Resources
  • Management of Exposed Victims
  • Hospital and Community Preparedness for Disease Outbreaks
  • Suggested Reading List

Section 7 - Chemical Emergencies  (PDF, 509KB)

• Introduction
• Immediate Medical Response Information
  • Quick Reference Guides
  • Key Points About Chemical Emergencies
  • Key Medical Resources
  • Reporting Safety and Security Concerns
• Additional Resources
  • Personal and Family Protection from Chemical Disasters
  • Management of Exposed Victims
  • Suggested Reading List

Section 8 - Radiation Emergencies  (PDF, 662KB)

• Introduction
• Immediate Medical Response Information
  • Quick Reference Guides
  • Key Points About Radiation Emergencies
  • Key Medical Resources
  • Reporting Safety and Security Concerns
• Additional Resources
  • General Information and Fact Sheets
  • Management of Exposed Victims
  • Hospital and Community Preparedness for Radiation Disasters
  • Suggested Reading List

Section 9 - Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Victims, Families, and Responders (PDF, 243KB)

• Introduction
• Key Elements for Addressing Psychosocial Effects of Disaster
• Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Children
• Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Adult Victims and Emergency Responders
• Suggested Reading List

Section 10 - Education and Training Opportunities (PDF, 394KB)

• Introduction
• Selected Courses and Training Programs
  • National Disaster Life Support™ Program

Section 11 - Organizational Links (PDF, 474KB)

• Federal Agencies
• International Resources
• Professional and Advocacy Organizations
• Academic Centers