How can pharmacists and nurses participate in emergency preparedness efforts?
Healthcare practitioners can participate in Disaster Medical Assistance Teams; specifically the National Pharmacist Response Team (NPRT) and the National Nurse Response Team (NNRT). These response teams are part of the National Disaster Medical System under the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. The teams consist of a network of pharmacists and nurses who are charged with assisting other healthcare providers following a terrorist attack in the United States. Members of the response teams are required to complete Web-based training, keep up with the field of disease caused by weapons of mass destruction, participate in training programs, and be available for deployment when necessary. The responsibilities of the NPRT and NNRT include assisting in chemoprophylaxis and vaccination efforts by evaluating patients and dispensing /distributing or administering these agents. Members of the team will be compensated for their services when activated and reimbu