| With the rapid development of globalization and biotechnology,biosecurity has become more of a problem.Since the outset of the 21st century,cases of emerging infectious diseases have been increasing.After the 9.11 incident,the frequent occurrence of anthrax power incidents in the United States and elsewhere suggested the transformation of bioterrorism into a real threat.The occasional outbreak of laboratory infection and accidents points to the potential biological hazards.The US-led western developed countries have incorporated biological defense into strategies for national security on one hand and biorisk control into the national system on the other hand.Emergency response and preparedness and rescue is an important step in fighting against biological hazards.Scientific assessment of damage, fast delimitation of the affected zone,calculation of the number of the infected and instant generation of referential solutions are of special significance for emergency response and preparedness against biological hazards.This paper is concerned with a logic model for assessment of the harm of aerosol, which has been established by making extensive investigations of literature and consultations,making reference to the experience that has been gained by our academy in researches on biological hazards and approaches to unexpected incidents, taking into account the biological properties of seven internationally-acknowledged biological agents,especially the production,dissemination and attenuation of aerosol. On the basis of this model,an auxiliary decision-making system for emergency response and preparedness against biological hazards has been successfully developed using IT.This system is composed of seven parts:input and navigation of incidents, calculation and analysis of hazards,information on medical resources,generation of auxiliary solutions,auxiliary definition of biological incidents,database for VIP users and the database for resources intended for biological hazards and emergence response and preparedness.This system has created an integrated database,including information on incidents,outcomes of assessment of the incident,ways of disposal,knowledge on pathogens and medical information.A visualized software application platform for the assessment of hazards has also been set up.After appraisal of the hazards and connection with the database,the system can offer relevant solutions to medical emergency response and preparedness. This system is intended for such biological hazards as the aerosol dissemination of seven pathogens,outbreaks of epidemics and laboratory accidents.After the pathogens have been detected and identified on the spot,the size and level of biological hazards can be accurately calculated and solutions can be delivered automatically using IT for the reference of decision-makers.This system is also applicable to cases where patients suffering from biological agents are found whose causes of disease remain unknown.So far,this system has proved able to assist in making decisions on seven biological agents:anthrax,plague,botulism A,yellow fever,tularemia,Q fever, brucellosis,it has to be admitted that no experiments of confirmation have ever been done because of the absence of experimental sites and the harm of pathogens.In 2008, this system was used on the spot by rescue troops during the earthquake in Sichuan and security officials during the Olympic Games who spoke highly of this system although there were no cases of biological hazards.With further studies and improvement,this system is expected to offer scientifically feasible suggestions and solutions in case of biological war,bioterrorism and biological accidents. |
