Disaster and Terrorism Response: Emergency Preparedness Tools for Pharmacists and Health-system Pharmacy Departments

Program Description

Healthcare organizations are required to develop and regularly test emergency preparedness programs. These programs need to address all types of emergencies - from a disaster in a local chemical plant to a terrorist event. Planning for emergencies is a complex process that involves multiple community agencies and all hospital departments. Health-system pharmacists and pharmacy departments play a critical role in emergency preparedness. In order for pharmacists and health-system pharmacy departments to be involved in the safe and effective use of medications following a disaster or terrorist event, there must be an overall understanding of the principles of emergency preparedness and integration of the pharmacy department into the organizational and community plans. This program will provide the basic information that pharmacists need to become involved in emergency preparedness efforts.