There are a number of ways in which emergency managers can work to improve the training of health care teams in the United States. It is important to begin with first responders. In the modern age, many firefighters are cross-trained as emergency medical technicians (EMTs) or as paramedics. They also provide medical care in the event of a disaster. Training must begin here because they have the closest connection between emergency services and the hospitals. They work together on a daily basis.
Furthermore, these teams must have training in how to deal with chemical, biological and radiological emergencies. It would be important to ensure that each community has several paramedics who are trained as hazmat medics (Dr. Hazmat, 2009). Drills involving these teams can also include the emergency staff. This will foster a relationship between the emergency managers and the hospital. It will use the existing relationship between EMS and the ER to do this.
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Unfortunately, nuclear and radiation accidents do occur. The most famous in the U.S. is Three Mile Island, which occurred in 1979. It happened at a nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania. While there were no deaths, there was concern about the health effects due to the release of radioactive gases. There was also a lot of anxiety, with good reason. The local hospital system was noted to not be prepared to handle the triage if a serious event occurred. Preparedness was instituted after the event.
While training is always good, after the fact is not acceptable (Maxwell, 1982, p. 275). It clearly indicated that the United States healthcare system was not capable of providing triage and care in the event of a large radioactive disaster. In the event of something like has occurred in Japan in recent years, the system may or may not be prepared at this time. Unfortunately, it appears it likely will not.
