In these troubled times, doctors are being trained to tackle terror.The National Disaster Management Authority(NDMA) in collaboration with the Defence Research Development Organisation(DRDO) and the central and state governments, has started a training programme to prepare medical, paramedical and nursing staff of the country for emergency medical response in case of any highly advanced terror attack. Within six months, the Trauma Centre at All India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Army Research and Referral (R&R) hospital in Delhi Cantt will be equied to handle all medical emergencies related to terror attacks including those resulting from exposure to harmful radiations.
These two will be the first in the country to have trained staff to manage patients exposed to harmful radiation.
The doctors are being trained to deal with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear disaster, thats why the programme is being termed as CBRN.
Types of Warfare
Chemical Warfare – Toxic properties of chemicals used as weapons to kill, injure or incapacitate enemy. They are classified as weapons of mass destruction by the UN.
Radiological Warfare – Also known as ‘dirty bombs’ this involves poisoning due to exposure to radiations. The release of radioactive material makes the whole area unfavorable for humans.
Nuclear Warfare – Use of atomic weapons. More destructive in range and extent, with severe long-term effects from radiation exposure. The effect could last for decades, centuries or even millennia.
Biological Warfare – Using living organisms or their toxic products to harm the enemy. Bacteria, viruses or other disease-causing agents are used to kill or injure.