The basic health care system in a crisis situation after the use of weapons of mass destruction

Security and Defence Quarterly

卷:25

Mateusz Kuczabski¹ 

[1] Faculty of National SecurityWar Studies University, Warsaw, Poland;

关键词: weapons of mass destruction;    crisis situation;    basic health care;    threat;   

DOI  :  10.35467/sdq/106083

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Weapons of mass destruction pose a threat that all health care institutions shouldbe prepared for. Every health care centre can be an essential part of the joint system ofresponse when a critical situation occurs. Although, since 1945, no nuclear weapon hasbeen employed in any armed conflict, cases of both chemical and radiological weapon usehave been reported. Taking into account the analysts’ opinion that the 21st century hasbegun a super-terrorism era (Alexander and Hoenig 2001, p. 7) and, hence, the increasedinterest of terrorist organisations in acquiring mass destruction weapons, it is difficultto point out the location of a possible attack. A terrorist attack with the use of weaponsof mass destruction may happen in any place, both urban and rural. According to thestrategy adopted in the event of a critical situation resulting from such attack, the heavilyinjured should be transported to hospitals located in the closest location of the incident atthe proper stage of evacuation. The problem is, however, to prepare a sufficient number ofplaces for all victims of an attack and to provide them with professional medical care. Inthis context, it seems justified to consider the role and capabilities of the basic (primary)health care, as the most popular element of the health care system that has the resourcesto operate in a critical situation, and as the institution protecting citizens’ lives and health,i.e. the national safety attributes.

【 授权许可】

Unknown