The Quality of Homeland Security and Health Care Systems: The Texas Rangers Initiative

Healthcare facilities are an essential component of an emergency response system in case of nuclear, biological or chemical attack, but at the present time, are poorly prepared for an incident. Key elements of the healthcare facility response plan include prompt recognition of the incident, staff and facility protection, patient decontamination and triage, medical therapy, and coordination with external emergency response and public health agencies. Controversial aspects include the optimal choice of personnel protective equipment, establishment of patient decontamination procedures, the role of chemical and biological agent detectors and potential environment packs and water treatment systems. The medical profession must assume a central role in state and national organizations, such as the Texas Rangers Medical Corps. The Texas Rangers Medical Corps represents a possible solution to set security plans, policies and systems in each state or region which can join together to bring each experience to a national coordinated committee.