List Price

$49.95

Textbook Details

  • ISBN:
    0387472312
  • ISBN-13:
    9780387472317
  • PUB. DATE:
    December 2007
  • PUBLISHER:
    Springer-Verlag New York, LLC

Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Terrorism: Emergency Preparedness and Response for the Primary Care Physician by Alan Melnick

$49.95 List Price
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Overview -

Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Terrorism

Product Details

  • Pub. Date: December 2007
  • Publisher: Springer-Verlag New York, LLC
  • Sales Rank: 1,073,208

Synopsis

This book provides sought-after guidance to primary care physicians on preparing for and responding to terrorist events. Chapters offer a fundamental understanding of the epidemiology and relevant clinical aspects of diseases caused by biological agents (anthrax, plague, smallpox, botulism, tularemia, and hemorrhagic viruses), chemical agents (nerve and blister), and radiological agents. The text details how to detect terrorist-caused illness as early as possible, how to provide defensive or preventive therapy, and how to triage and treat ill patients. Emphasis is placed on addressing both the physical and psychological impact on patients and providers. The author also examines how to work effectively with public health officials at the local, state, and national levels on the delivery of preventive and therapeutic measures. Surveillance activities, plans for handling mass casualties, and responding to concerns about risk are discussed as well. The practical approach is also applicable to accidental and natural disasters. This timely resource is invaluable for primary care physicians who want to better understand their role for patients and the public in emergency preparedness.

Reviewer: Vincent F Carr, DO, MSA, FACC, FACP(Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences)
Description: The author presents a concise reference for primary care providers, be they family medicine practitioners, pediatricians, internists, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, to help them recognize early cases of a potential mass casualty situation caused by either a terrorist attack or a natural disaster. The book presents a methodical approach to biologic, radiological, or chemical agents and provides practical points on the recognition and differential of various etiologies.
Purpose: This practical reference includes the expected clinical detail, but also addresses the "worried-well" that primary care clinics can expect in these situations. The author has covered everything in a systematic and useful manner. A helpful section covers the mental health aspects of a mass casualty event, with sensitive answers to common questions that the public will have.
Audience: This is a book for all practitioners, including specialists who may be pressed into providing care outside their usual practice. It is also a useful book for lay people who want to have the answers unfiltered by the medical community. The author is a highly respected authority who has put the information in a way that can easily be understood by most people.
Features: The biologic section is broken down into specific etiologic agents and provides a refresher on what the primary care provider must know when confronted with that possibility. The chemical section is similarly organized, and the radiological section focuses on the various presentations the primary care practitioner might see in the clinic. These are followed by additional sections on the mental health considerations and how to interact with the public health community. The numerous color pictures are very helpful.
Assessment: This book should be readily available in every primary care clinic. It is concise yet complete while easy to reference. The author has kept the book practically oriented, allowing a differential to be determined and giving clear guidance on what tests to be ordered and how to request assistance from more experienced experts. I highly recommend this for every physician.

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