Development, implementation and outcomes of a training program for responders to acts of terrorism

Geoffrey T. Miller*, Joseph A. Scott, S. Barry Issenberg, Emil R. Petrusa, Angel A. Brotons, David Lee Gordon, William C. McGaghie, Michael S. Gordon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction. Responding to acts of terrorism requires the effective use of public-safety and medical-response resources. The knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to respond to future threats is unfamiliar to most emergency responders. Objectives. The purpose of this report to describe the development, implementation and evaluation of a multidisciplinary interactive and simulation-enhanced course to prepare responders to acts of terrorism. Methods. We used a 5-step systematic process to develop a blended-learning, simulation-enhanced training program. Learners completed a self-confidence questionnaire and written examination prior to the course and a self-confidence questionnaire, written examination and course evaluation when they finished the course. Results. From July 7, 2003 to March 8, 2005, 497 consenting learners completed the course. After course completion, learners demonstrated significant increases in their knowledge of terrorism response (t = -64.3, df = 496, p < 0.05) and their confidence in responding to terrorist events (t= -45.5, df = 496, p < 0.05). Learner feedback about the course was highly positive. Conclusions. We successfully implemented a two-day course for professionals likely to respond to terrorist acts that included scenario-based performance training and assessment. Course participants increased their knowledge and were more confident in their ability to respond to acts of terrorism after participating in this course.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)239-246
Number of pages8
JournalPrehospital Emergency Care
Volume10
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2006

Funding

The authors would like to thank Robert B. Tober, MD, Nabil El Sanadi, MD, members of the Curriculum Development Advisory Committee, and the Miami International Alliance for Medical-education Innovation (“the M.I.A.M.I. Group”) for their expert input; Eva Blanco, Jill Hershbein, Maria Lorenzo, Dori McLean, Obed Frometa, EMT-P and the paramedic-instructor staff of the University of Miami Center for Research in Medical Education for their valuable contributions; the Florida Department of Health for financial support and the expert guidance of Sandra Schoenfisch, RN, PhD, and Mark O’Neill, PhD; the Miami Urban Area Security Initiative, Florida Department of Education, Friends For Life nonprofit volunteer organization, W. George and Ethel M. Kennedy Family Foundation, and Health Foundation of South Florida for their financial support; and the U.S. Army for providing invaluable educational resources.

Keywords

  • Disaster
  • EMS
  • Simulation
  • Terrorism
  • Training

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Emergency
  • Emergency Medicine

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