Disease outbreaks and chemical incidents can develop very rapidly - so preparation and emergency planning are essential components in minimising the impact on the public.
The growing threat of global terrorism means we need to be prepared to deal with incidents that could involve chemical, biological, and radioactive materials. This means new plans and new expertise.
The Centre for Emergency Preparedness and Response provides a central source of authoritative scientific/medical information and other specialist advice on both the planning and operational responses to major incidents and wider public health or other emergencies.
The Emergency Preparedness and Response Training Programme »
The training division works with partner organisations to deliver specialist courses for healthcare providers and managers. These courses enable delegates to respond effectively to major incidents of all kinds, including the deliberate release of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials.
Public Health Issues and Benefits Associated with International Sporting Events »
The HPA, in collaboration with the International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI), has launched a portal for materials and information for countries that are hosting, or bidding to host, an international sporting event and for the national public health institutes that are supporting these efforts. Most of the materials and guidance are also relevant to any complex mass gathering that brings large numbers of international visitors to a host city.
Deliberate and Accidental Releases »
The Deliberate and Accidental Releases pages provide information targeted at health care professionals and the public on the major biological, chemical and radiological deliberate release threat agents.The information is also relevant when considering naturally occurring outbreaks or accidental releases.
CBRN incidents: A guide to clinical management and health protection »
This guide to clinical management and health protection in major incidents, including chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) incidents, has been written primarily for front line healthcare professionals in emergency departments, but we hope that it will also be useful to others. Although this guide is primarily about accidental or deliberate release of CBRN agents, it also has some sections which are of wider relevance in other emergencies and outbreaks of infectious disease.