Disaster Management

Question 1

What is disaster management?

Answer 1

Systematic process (organizational and operational) for dealing with the challenges that are imposed on human health by a natural or man-made disaster.
–Direct effect on humans
–Indirectly by compromising the normal delivery of care within a health system

Question 2

Examples of disasters health systems must be prepared for

Answer 2

-Transportation accidents (e.g. bus, train or airliner)
-Industrial accidents (e.g. manufacturing facility)
-“Act of nature” (e.g. blizzard, tornado, hurricane, flood)
-Epidemics/Pandemics (e.g. influenza, COVID)
-Deliberate acts of violence

Question 3

Response Issues (5)

Answer 3

1. Communication
2. Personnel
3. Supplies
4. Deployment and logistics
5. Staff security and safety

Question 4

Key aspects of communication (5)

Answer 4

1. What has happened?
2. Number of injuries suspected?
3. Nature of the injuries?
4. When will they begin to arrive and over what time period?
5. What do the caregivers anticipate will be needed in terms of pharmaceuticals?

Question 5

BARDA mission

Answer 5

Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority

“…to develop medical countermeasures that address the public health and medical consequences of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) accidents, incidents and attacks, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases.”

Question 6

BARDA Programs (10)

Answer 6

1. Regulatory Quality Affairs
2. Nonclinical development
3. Pharmaceutical Countermeasures & Infrastructure
4. Maintain manufacturing capabilities in the event of emergencies
5. Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear
6. Contract Management and Acquisition
7. Clinical Development
8. Influenza and Emerging Infectious Disease
9. Detection, Diagnostics and Device Infrastructure
10. Research, Innovation & Ventures

Question 7

Project BioShield Act of 2004

Answer 7

Established funding and provides incentives to industry to develop MCMs where traditional markets may not promote investment and funds Strategic National Stockpiles
*Similar to orphan drug research incentive

Question 8

Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act of 2005

Answer 8

Authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue declaration to provide limited immunity for development of FDA-regulated MCMs
*emergency use authorizations

Question 9

Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006

Answer 9

Establishes Administration for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to include BARDA with new authorities for advanced development and acquisition of MCMs

Question 10

CHEMPACKS

Answer 10

-Containers of nerve agent antidotes which can be used even when the agent is unknown
-Placed in secure locations in local jurisdictions