ABSTRACT
The United States (US) system for special pathogen care began with a tiered structure in 2014 with the US experience treating patients with Ebola Virus Disease. Over the past decade, the federally funded US biocontainment units (BCUs), termed Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Centers (RESPTCs), have maintained operational readiness to care for patients afflicted by high-consequence infectious diseases. The RESPTC network has expanded in number of facilities and in scope, as the now 13 RESPTCs serve as regional resources for special pathogens preparedness; a role that has recently been formalized with the establishment of the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS). Lessons learned for maintaining infrastructure and operational readiness are shared with the intent of informing new and existing BCUs in the US and globally.
ABSTRACT
It is impossible to fully understand why the United States has consistently failed to protect its citizens from firearm violence until one understands some of the key discrepancies that exist at the center of the firearm policy debate. Differences in language, data categorization, and research related to firearms and their impacts in the United States contribute to confusion and debate between firearm policy advocates and opponents, ultimately stalling progress toward some common goals. As frontline health professionals, emergency nurses must be aware of these nuances in order to be informed advocates for the safety of their patients and their communities. Emergency nurses can use the information from this article to help inform screening and education related to firearm safety and injury prevention. They can also use this information to inform nursing research as well as local and national advocacy efforts related to firearm injuries and deaths.
