During the past year, emergency planning efforts have focused on creation of a Metropolitan Medical Response System to effectively manage MASS CASUALTY INCIDENTS of any type, including those resulting from use of an explosive, incendiary, chemical, biological, or radiological agents. Such incidents will clearly and rapidly overwhelm municipal first responders and the medical system as we know it today.

You’ve already heard how the U.S. PHS has begun a national plan to prepare cities to more effectively respond to WMD involving nuclear, biological, or chemical agents. Our Regional approach to mutual aid represented by Region 13-MMRS is a unique effort already being emulated by jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania the U.S.