On the front lines in the war on terror( The emergence of terror medicine as ...),Health

The emergence of terror medicine as a distinctive discipline has been prompted by the global proliferation of terrorism, especially since the end of the 20th century. Examples abound − Oklahoma City, the London metro, Madrid, and Mumbai. The nature of terror attacks, such as anthrax attacks or suicide bombings, and the effects on victims have prompted novel approaches to rescue operations, diagnosis, treatment and coordination of services. Yet most physicians and other health providers, let alone members of the public, are still unfamiliar with many of its features.

A new book, Essentials of Terror Medicine, focuses on the constellation of medical issues uniquely related to terrorist attacks: preparedness, incident management, injuries and responses, and psychological consequences. The book provides insightful and practical information for physicians, nurses, emergency responders and other health professionals who may be called to service during or after a terror incident.

Co-author Leonard Cole said, "Efforts to prevent terrorist assaults should be among a society's highest priorities. No less important are the requirements to prepare for, respond to and recover from such events. Education, rehearsals and understanding the distinctive challenges posed by terrorist attacks are vital. The more that individuals and institutions become familiar with the issues concerning terror medicine, the greater the protection they can provide themselves and others."

Distinguished international authors have been brought together by the three editors of this volume, who themselves are recognized experts in relevant disciplines: Shmuel Shapira, epidemiology and hospital administration; Jeffrey Hammond, trauma surgery and emergency response; and Leonard Cole, bioterrorism and public policy. Moreover, many of the book's 35 contributors have had immediate and extensive experience in the medical management of terrorist attacks.

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