Public Health Technical and Support Staff


Competencies

NameDescription
Identify agentsIDENTIFY nuclear, biological or chemical agents from signs and clinical history, autopsy and other evidence.
Generate bioterrorism response planGENERATE a public health bioterrorism (BT) response plan for epidemiology and surveillance (OR Environmental Health OR Public Health Laboratory OR Medical Examiner’s Office OR Public Health Information Office) that is integrated with the emergency response plan for the agency by applying the following competencies:
Plan for 24/7 availabilityMAINTAIN written plans for 24/7 availability of specific staff and specialists required during a bioterrorism event.
Establish communications rolesESTABLISH emergency communications roles and responsibilities for bioterrorism response.
Maintain resource directoryMAINTAIN a directory of materials and resources on bioterrorism.
Define further investigation needsDEFINE algorithms that trigger further epidemiological investigation.
Manage psychological impactRECOGNIZE and TREAT the psychological impact of bioterrorism event on victims and health care professionals.
Ensure psychological supportENSURE ongoing support for the psychological impact of a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) event on the families of victims.
Handle human remainsHANDLE human remains appropriately, addressing safety, psycho-social, and forensic needs.
Address training gapsENSURE that knowledge/skill gaps identified through emergency response evaluation are filled.
Evaluate event responseEVALUATE every emergency response to identify needed internal/external improvements.
Apply recovery measuresAPPLY appropriate science-based public health measures to ensure continued population protection appropriate to the biological threat involved, including follow up of those exposed, vaccinated, or quarantined.