Pertinent psychological issues in the immediate management of a weapons of mass destruction event

Abstract

Decisions made and actions taken by crisis and consequence managers during the initial stages of a domestic terrorist incident that involves a weapon of mass destruction will influence the ultimate psychological toll of the disaster. Exploring, in advance, the feasibility of quarantine, participating in training exercises that force decision makers to confront the consequences of their decisions on the behaviors of a population at risk from a weapon of mass destruction agent release, and critically examining the capabilities of mental health crisis intervention teams that might respond to a terrorist event are 3 of 12 suggestions offered to crisis and consequence managers to help them prepare for their roles.