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Introduction: The only way to test disaster and bioterrorism response plans is through exercising them. In addition, exercises help nurses and other healthcare care professionals clarify their role in disaster plan implementation. Methods: Nassau County Department of Health funded, planned and conducted a countywide one-day tabletop exercise in August 2002. The exercise was divided into two parts: a half-day introduction to the exercise and participating groups/agencies and a half-day tabletop exercise. Objectives were designed and a scenario using a fictitious release of anthrax was written to facilitate the discussion. Representatives from each hospital were invited to participate and were divided into four groups based on specialty: Infectious diseases, Administration, Security and Clinical (nurses, physicians, etc). Three modules were presented and each group discussed each module (ie, stage of the scenario) separately then as a whole. Results from each specialty were written into group after-action reports and all results were collated into a comprehensive after-action report document. Results: The exercise clarified participants’ roles, enhanced communication between facilities, and identified the health department and other expert resources in the community. All nurses expressed a willingness to share resources, including medications, medical supplies, information and data gathering tools. A conservative approach was preferred in all exercise facets related to response procedures and decisions. Nurses learned a great deal about other facilities’ procedures and how they and their facility fit into the community plan. Triage, resource allocation, communication, and media issues were emphasized. Conclusions: The tabletop exercise was a huge success, in large part due to the willingness of all specialties to participate. Nurses stated that they felt more comfortable with both their facility plan and the community-wide plan following the exercise. All nurses could benefit from participation in similar exercises.
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