Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Rise of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: An Imminent Public Health Threat Mandating Counter-Terrorism Medicine Preparedness for Potential Mass-Casualty Attacks

2021; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 36; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s1049023x21000765

1945-1938

Derrick Tin, Zachary Kallenborn, Alexander Hart, Attila J. Hertelendy, Gregory R. Ciottone,

Health and Conflict Studies

Abstract The mass proliferation and increasing affordability of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in recent years has given rise to weaponized UAV use by terrorists, leading to mounting and credible concerns this attack methodology will be the next terrorism modus operandi. Counter-Terrorism Medicine (CTM) specialists need to consider how UAVs alter or create new mass-casualty scenarios that can further exploit existing medical preparedness vulnerabilities. With an opportunity to be proactive in disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness, it is imperative this gathering storm be acknowledged and stakeholders explore how best to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the consequences of UAV incidents.