OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the familiarity of pharmacists regarding emergency preparedness, rate their attitude towards getting training and to determine their learning/training preferences.

METHODS: A prospective cross sectional survey was conducted at WAPCP (West Africa Postgraduate College of Pharmacists), Lagos centre located in Yaba Lagos Nigeria using 31 item pretested questionnaires. 200 questionnaires were administered to the consecutively selected participants. Analysis was done using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS: Response rate was 83%, majority were females 80 (53.3%).;31-40 years, 82 (54.7%). Overall Familiarity with response activities / preparedness) was 37 (24.7%). Respondents were very familiar with emergency preparedness terms and activities 18 (12.0%), Incident Command System. 40 (26.7%), ethical issues in triage 42 (28.0%), epidemiology and surveillance and decontamination 35 (23.3%) , Respondents preferred to learn or train using face to face 77(51.3%), self instruction 46 (30.7% ) and CD/DVD 37 (24.7) methods and to attend a 2-3 day workshop/conference 123(82.0%) or participate in a 2-hour lecture or web-based training 97(64.7%), 135(90.0%) and 131(87.3%) had access to a computer and internet at home respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Overall Familiarity with response activities / preparedness was low .and pharmacists preferred face to face, self instruction mode of learning and a 2-3 day workshop/conference. Detailed training and educational interventions in all elements of emergency preparedness is required for the respondents.