Case Western Reserve University is offering ground-breaking training to help safeguard the health and well being of children in the event of terrorist attacks.

Since America's 70 million children are likely to be among the most vulnerable members of society in the event of a terrorist attack, experts at Case and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital are conducting a course to educate "first responders" about children's unique physical, mental and emotional needs December 1 through 5 at Cleveland HealthSpace, (the new name of the Cleveland Health Museum).

The course, Disaster Management: Helping Ohio's Children, will provide specialized training in disaster response to health care workers, city and school officials, emergency personnel and professionals working in children's organizations.

"While concerns about the threat of biological and chemical terrorism have translated into a number of new measures to improve general safety and domestic disaster preparedness, these new measures are almost entirely geared toward the needs of the adult population," said Case and Rainbow pediatrician Karen N. Olness, who serves on the academy's disaster management task force. "They do not adequately address the very different needs of children in disaster situations."

The program will cover triage and children, water and sanitation, immunizations, food and shelter, stress issues, guidelines for parents, child injuries, safety, chemical terrorism, radiation and death and bereavement.

The course will be taught in collaboration with the Cuyahoga Division of Emergency Services, the Red Cross and local boards of health. Instructors will include Rainbow pediatricians, Case faculty members and other local experts in health, psychology, education, media, public safety, emergency response and sanitation.

Space is limited. For more information, contact Felicite Katz, program manager, Case School of Medicine, Office of Continuing Education at 368-1054.

Return to the online edition of the 11-20-03 Campus News.