Citywide pharmaceutical preparation for bioterrorism

Abstract

One community's efforts to become pharmaceutically prepared for an attack with biological agents is described. In response to recent bioterrorist activities, including a local scare in 1999 involving anthrax, the pharmacy department at Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane, Washington, was asked to develop a plan for bioterrorism preparedness. A literature search was conducted, and resources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were contacted. For each biological agent, information was compiled about symptom onset, treatment, postexposure prophylaxis, patient isolation precautions, and the availability of antidotes at local hospitals. A procedure was developed for obtaining antidotes that might not be available or stocked in sufficient quantities. After being reviewed by appropriate authorities, the information was presented to area hospitals and trauma centers, drug wholesalers, hospital risk-management personnel, and emergency management personnel. In May 2000 dozens of emergency and medical personnel attended a day-long program on domestic preparedness. Citywide cooperation was obtained on how to respond to a mass exposure to a bioterrorism agent. The job of a pharmacist during a bioterrorism strike is to rapidly disseminate antidotes and information, provide dosage and vaccination schedules for both treatment and prophylaxis, and counsel patients. Medical facilities in Spokane have cooperated to make the community more prepared for a bioterrorist attack.