Disaster preparedness in Virginia Hospital Center-Arlington after Sept 11, 2001.

True disaster readiness and preparedness are not really measured until put to the test of a real disaster. The attacks of Sept 11, 2001, put 1 community hospital and its disaster plan to the ultimate test. The process the hospital used to review, evaluate, and change its former disaster plan and then implement a new plan on the basis of the response to Sept 11 terrorists attacks is described. Specific challenges faced by this community hospital, the importance of participation in a regional response effort, and how the hospital has readied itself in a new threat environment are addressed. Disasters affect hospitals of all sizes and geographic locations. Health care facilities need a strong framework with which to function independently, if only for a short time, until additional resources can be implemented.