Bioterrorism:A Guide for First RespondersWith the threat of biological terrorism rising greatereveryday,the United States has taken numeroussteps to prepare for a possible biological attack onour home soil.Ironically,even with the greatestadvancements in technology,some of the best solu-tions are still ?low-tech,?including an easily-accessi-ble field guide of information for first-responders incase our vast network of electronic resources arenot available.A research team with Imaginatics Publishing,aSpringfield,Illinois based company,has written andpublished the handbook,Bioterrorism:A Guide forFirst Responders ,which provides a detailed andeasily-accessible review of the 12 potential biologi-cal agents that could be used by terrorists,alongwith the steps that should be followed by firstresponders to identify and treat victims.The guide is designed for all first responders toeasily carry with them in the field and distinguishes itself from other bioterrorism books with a number of uniquecharacteristics.All of which improve its durability or help to increase the speed at which information is accessed.Characteristics1.It has the concise/action oriented information responders need.The book layout which consistsof detailed bulleted lists that allow even rookie first responders to et vital information in a matter of seconds.Compared to other biological preparation books that flood you with over 200 pages of background and other non-essential information,Bioterrorism:A Guide for First Responders consists of under 50 pages of only vital information.2.It ?s easy to use.Placement of the contents on the front cover and the use of 1/2 inch tabs on the right-hand side of the book helps improve rapid access to the different sections.The guide is also ring-bound along theleft side to improve the ability to flip through each section freely.3.It ?s durable.The guide is printed on thin,durable,laminated pages that are tear and water resistant whichensures the guide ?s durability in the field.Research TeamResearch for the guide was headed by the Imaginatics Publishing staff and John Kucan,M.D.The Imaginatics teambrings a range of medical experience,including over 14 years of working in the medical field and training physi-cians,healthcare workers,and first responders.Currently,Imaginatics is producing a training CD-ROM for IllinoisDepartment of Public Health employees on steps to identify and treat Plague,as well as continuing education CD-ROMs for NAACCR which are being funded through the CDC.Mark Verduin,President of Imaginatics Publishing,and Thomas Zoschke,Vice President,have both worked over 10years at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine before joining Imaginatics,where they were honored withnational awards for training programs they created.Staci McTague,Project Manager,has had 10 years of experi-ence working with allied healthcare professionals.Dr.John Kucan,Professor of Surgery at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is the former Director ofthe Memorial Burn Center in Springfield and has served as a medical consultant and assisted in the research anddevelopment of this guide.