NYMC Receives Disaster Preparedness Grant

The New York Medical College (NYMC) Center for Disaster Medicine in Valhalla has received a $250,000 state grant for its Center of Excellence in Precision Responses to Bioterrorism and Disasters.

The funding will support the BCW member’s training of local health care professionals, emergency responders and law enforcement in emergency preparedness for disasters, terrorism and public health emergencies.

The Center of Excellence offers education, training, structured simulations, drills and consulting to prepare for bioterrorism and mass-casualty incidents stemming from natural and manmade disasters. Training is offered to first responders, law enforcement, businesses, educators and health care professionals.

The center’s facilities include sensory-deprivation and sensory-overload training rooms, a simulated clandestine drug laboratory, a simulated residential apartment, simulated patient rooms and an intensive care unit. Training programs use mannequins to allow for practice of procedures such as airway management and insertion of chest tubes.

The center is funded through the Empire State Development Corporation’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation program. It is one of 11 in New York.