Emergency Preparedness Program

Publications

Advice for Emergency and First Responders (911, EMS, EMA Personnel, Police, State Patrol, Fire, Sheriffs): Dealing With Suspicious Letters and Packages, and Unknown Substances 

The threat posed by the current flood of reports of suspicious letters, packages, and unknown substances ranges from none to credible, and no set of guidelines can cover every possible variation. Every report will have unique features and the responder must use his or her own judgment in applying these guidelines. Includes a Decision Tree for Suspicious Letters, Packages, or Unknown Substances.

Biologic and Chemical Agent Protocols 2004 

Fact sheets providing brief clinical information, treatment protocols, and precautionary guidelines for a number of biologic and chemical agents, including Anthrax, Botulism, Brucellosis, Pneumonic Plague, Q Fever, Ricin Intoxication, Smallpox, Tularemia, Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers, and others.

Draft Guidelines for Biologic Disaster Planning in Hospitals 

adapted from the New York City Department of Health to assist hospitals in preparing for bioterrorism incidents.

Interim Recommendations for Fire Fighters and Other First Responders for the Selection and Use of Protective Clothing and Respirators Against Biological Agents 

The approach to any potentially hazardous atmosphere, including biological hazards, must be made with a plan that includes an assessment of hazard and exposure potential, respiratory protection needs, entry conditions, exit routes, and decontamination strategies.

Laboratory Procedures for the identification of Bacillus anthracis 

The procedures described function to rule out presumptively identified Bacillus anthracis in clinical specimens or isolates.