Executive summary: Developing objectives, content, and competencies for the training of emergency medical technicians, emergency physicians, and emergency nurses to care for casualties resulting from nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) incidents

Study Objective: The task force assessed the needs, demands, feasibility, a nd content of training for US civilian emergency medical responders (parame dics, nurses, and physicians) for nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) terrori sm. Methods: A task force representing key professional organizations, stakehol ders, and disciplines involved in emergency medical response conducted an i terated instructional-design analysis on the feasibility and content of suc h training with input from educational professionals. We then analyzed 6 pr eviously developed training courses for their congruence with our recommend ations. Results: The task force produced descriptions of learning groups, content a nd learning objectives, and barriers and challenges to NBC education. Acces s to training and sustainment of learning (retention of knowledge) represen t the significant barriers. The courses analyzed by the task force did not meet all objectives and challenges addressed. Conclusion: The task force recommends training programs and materials need to be developed to overcome the identified barriers and challenges to learn ing for these audiences. Furthermore, the task force recommends incorporati ng NBC training into standard training programs for emergency medical profe ssionals.