Case Study

1
Disaster Behavioral Health
Randal Beaton, PhD

• Case Study

2
Caldwell Rodeo Arena Bioterrorism Event, Idaho

• During one of the major rodeo events of the year,
  and with thousands of fans in the stands, a small
  crop-duster biplane appears out of nowhere and
  strafes the arena.

A whitish powder is effectively sprayed onto just
about everything and everyone in attendance.

• What should EMS and law enforcement do at this
  point to manage the behavioral health aspects of
  this event?

3
Caldwell Rodeo Arena Bioterrorism Event, Idaho

• Samples of the white powder tentatively test
  positive for anthrax within an hour of the event.
  
• What behavioral health steps are indicated now?

4
Caldwell Rodeo Arena Bioterrorism Event, Idaho

• Anthrax is confirmed by the CDC lab within 48
  hours.
• What behavioral health steps are needed now?

photomicrograph ofBacillus anthracis
bacteria Image source CDC
5
Caldwell Rodeo Arena Bioterrorism Event, Idaho

• A mass dispensing venue is mobilized to provide
  antibiotics to those attending the rodeo with a
  credible exposure
• What behavioral health problems do you anticipate
  and how could they be minimized and/or resolved?

6
Other Web-resources

• Web sites and references related to this training
  are available from
• www.nwcphp.org/edu/dbh