Summary:
Although no anthrax attacks have been reported since 2001 when anthrax-laced letters were sent to several media offices and two U.S. senators, anthrax remains the biological agent of greatest concern.Respiratory therapists must be prepared for a possible biological terrorist attack, which requires that they be familiar with agents such as anthrax and plague. The government and healthcare facilities continue to improve their approach to all-hazards preparedness, including that for terrorist attacks. Hospitals are a critical part of these efforts and healthcare professionals must be prepared to treat victims of these attacks, whether they suffer from a traumatic injury or present with an infectious disease. Respiratory therapists are critical to preparedness efforts and must be able to recognize the effects of a biological attack on both a single patient and the general population.
Objectives:
The goal of this program is to familiarize respiratory therapists with bioterrorism and its implications for healthcare. After studying the information presented, you will be able to —
- Recognize the symptoms of most likely biological agents.
- Describe the signs, symptoms and clinical management of anthrax and plague.
- Discuss prophylaxis for anthrax and plague.
Approval Information
This CE course is approved for respiratory therapists from 1/10/2012 to 1/10/2014.
This program has been approved for 1 contact hour of Continuing Respiratory Care Education (CRCE) credit by the American Association for Respiratory Care, 9425 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 100, Irving, TX 75063. AARC Sponsor ID: 9514012. This is a non-traditional course.
If you are a respiratory therapist, remember to give us your AARC member number when filling out your license number information.
Gannett Education is also approved by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care (provider #FBN 50-1489).