Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook

Medical Management of Biological Casualties Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a concise, pocket-sized manual that can be used in a crisis to guide medical personnel in the prophylaxis and management of biological casualties.

2011

According to many experts, the threat of biowarfare has increased in recent decades, with a number of countries working on offensive use. The evolving biowarfare threat is becoming more complex because of increased agent variety, sophistication, and the feasibility of in vitro genetic modification. The threat of biowarfare can be combated with similar methods as the fight against emerging infectious diseases, where surveillance is key. Many of these pathogens have little therapy beyond supportive care and are difficult to diagnose without a high index of suspicion so medical professionals must be aware of all possible clinical symptoms.