Interdisciplinary approach to all-hazards preparedness: are you ready? How do we know?

Abstract

The Center for Bioterrorism and All-Hazards Preparedness (CBAP) at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine is part of the National Education Strategy Team supported by the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response. It developed and implemented an extensive interdisciplinary community-focused, all-hazards preparedness program as a template for use nationally. CBAP provides discipline-customized education and training experiences in emergency and disaster preparedness using multiple formats. In addition to addressing competencies that all responders must have, the CBAP National Education Strategy Team has special emphasis areas in personal planning, vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations, the employment of "cells" in the community, evidence-based evaluation including a unique casualty objective-structured clinical examination, use of student and faculty and Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, all-hazards preparedness aimed at school children, and programs addressing campus violence. CBAP emphasizes that all-hazards preparedness is an academic discipline that necessitates those trained have periodic updates to maintain their currency.