Marilyn M. Gardner, PhD, Wayne Higgins, PhD, Charles Wainright, PhD, and Lisa K. Thomason. Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, STH 410E, Bowling Green, KY 42101, 270.745.5864, marilyn.gardner@wku.edu

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 and the intentional release of anthrax through the mail in the following weeks alerted the nation to the danger of catastrophic terrorism and the need to increase preparedness for mass-casualty events. Of particular concern is the potential terroristic use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), most commonly defined as chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological weapons. In a WMD event, local emergency medical services (EMS) will need to assess the situation and respond appropriately in order to save lives and avoid unnecessary responder casualties. The extent to which EMS responders possess the knowledge and skills to do some remains largely unknown. This study describes the development and application of a WMD response inventory for EMS personnel.. An item pool was developed using published and newly developed multiple choice questions representing knowledge in three content areas (biological, chemical, and radiological) and four skill-domain areas (site characterization/identification of agent; self-protection and safety; communication and coordination; and treatment). Following pilot testing and assessment by an expert panel, the instrument was administered to responders (N=240) in two randomly-selected EMS Services from each of the fourteen emergency management areas (EMAs) in Kentucky (n=28) and the two major metropolitan areas. Additionally, perceived knowledge and self-efficacy for responding in each of the content areas and domains were assessed and analyzed vis a vis knowledge scores. Methodological issues in developing the instrument, results of the survey, and future applications of the instrument will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to discuss EMS responders' strengths and weaknesses with the four skill domains assessed by the instrument.
• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify potential training needs of EMS responders.
• At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to analyze the relationship between self-efficacy for responding and perceived knowledge vis a vis knowledge assessed by the inventory.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Emergency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.