Principles of Critical Care > Part I. An Overview of the Approach to and Organization of Critical Care > Chapter 9. Preparedness for Catastrophe Jeffrey G. Walls,  J. Christopher Farmer

Key Points

"Hospitals today are faced with a daunting task: to prepare for community disasters that could bring a large number of injured or ill patients to their doorsteps. Since September 11, 2001, the threats to a community and its hospitals seem endless. In addition to the terrible events surrounding the World Trade Towers collapse, a more insidious attack occurred in the form of anthrax delivered through the mail. Health care workers have died as a result of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which represents an emerging, highly contagious infectious disease. Natural disasters have wreaked havoc on numerous health care facilities, and have jeopardized patient well-being...."