Emergency Response to TerrorismTC: Emergency Medical Services

Unit 1: Introduction

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Terminal Objective

Given a terrorist event, the student will be able to recognize the event and determine possible response strategies.

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Enabling Objectives

Distinguish between strategies & tactics. Identify strategic goals regarding

terrorism response. Define terrorism & several categories of

terrorist targets. List several cues for recognizing a

terrorist event. Identify potential field medical resource

needs.

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The TC:EMS Course

Instructor introduction & welcome Course goal

Increase survivability Increase EMS operational

effectiveness Administrative issues Student Manual overview Course background

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Course Overview

Unit 1 - Introduction Unit 2 - Safety Unit 3 - Security Unit 4 - Patient Care Unit 5 - Conclusion

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Student Introductions

Who are you? Where are you

from? Anything in

particular you hope to obtain through your attendance

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Strategies versus Tactics

Strategies Broad objectives, e.g., extrication

Tactics Actual procedures employed, e.g.,

Gain access Package patient Disentangle Develop means for removal Move patient to triage

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Activity 1.1

Strategic Considerations at a Terrorist Event: Masland Island Scenario

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Terrorism Involves

Mass casualties Hazardous materials Technical rescue Warfare Criminal investigation

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Terrorism Involves (cont.)

Numerous strategic goals systems exist to manage these events daily

Mass casualty HazMat Structural collapse

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Terrorism Strategic Goals

Sizeup Response and

Arrival Security Protective

Measures Establish Command Isolate Notification

Evidence Preservation Product Identification Rescue Medical Care Control (spill, leak, fire) Recovery and termination

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Emerging Response Doctrine

Emerging strategies and tactics Sources

U.S. military Lessons learned in U.S. and outside Application of existing response

technology Dynamic and rapidly changing

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Terrorism Defined

An act Illegal (in U.S. or its subdivisions), or Dangerous to human life, with

Intent to intimidate or coerce Government, or Civilian population, that

Furthers a political or social agenda

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Key Concepts of Terrorism

Violence need only be threatened Agent of change: fear Victims not necessarily the target Intended audience: observers Desired outcome: change in political

or social structure

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Issues of Terrorism

Types of terrorists Domestic versus international Left versus right Special interests

Terrorist ideology Extremist viewpoint Intolerance of difference Vilification

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“The end justifies the means”

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Terrorist Targets

Selection based on ability to: Instill fear Achieve high profile exposure Demonstrate the cause Create public distrust or frustration

with government

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Target Candidates

Targets can be: People (including responders) Places Infrastructure

May be based upon Criticality Vulnerability

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Recognizing Terrorist Events

Recognition is the most important factor in an effective response

Late recognition places responders in jeopardy

Must use “clues” or “mental triggers”

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Pre-Event Recognition

Awareness of: Political & social situations Potential targets Intelligence-gathering activities

(others watching us) Integrated Threat Analysis Group

(ITAG) development

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Advisories

ITAG issues advisories based on current threat

Tactical awareness Tactical warning Tactical alert

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Event Phase Recognition

Occupancy or location Types of events Conditions en route and on scene

Weather conditions Channeling, choke points Tactical disadvantages

Timing On-site observations

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Local Resources

Local community resources EMS mutual aid agreements EMS regional response plans &

response teams Fire service response (HazMat engine

companies) Other local agencies

Local Emergency Operations Plan

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State Resources

State emergency operations plan activated by local declaration of emergency

Governor activates plan Enables state resources to be used May be developed under same

organization as FRP When state resources exceeded, the FRP

is activated

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Federal Resources

FRP implements Stafford Act Can be fully or partially activated 2 forms of Presidential activation

Disaster declaration Declaration of major emergency

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Resources Available from Feds

FRP makes an exception by allowing Fed involvement

Via FRP, Fed resources can be available to meet the need

Fed response is organized under ESFs

Each function has a lead federal agency

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Unique Medical Resources

ESF mobilized by PHS/OEP under NDMS

DMATs (Disaster Medical Asst. Teams)

Burn DMATs Crush DMATs Other DMATs

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Unique Medical Resources (cont.)

MMRSRescue & decon of mass casualties

NMRTs are based in Denver, Winston-Salem, Los AngelesRescue & decon of mass casualties

created by terrorism

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Summary

Definition of terrorism Terrorist targets Recognizing terrorism Strategies versus tactics Potential resource needs