Awareness-Level Lesson 5 Presentation Hazardous Materials for First Responders, 3rd Ed.

Definition of Terrorism The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines terrorism as: “The unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in the furtherance of political or social objectives.” Awareness Level

Elements of Terrorism Terrorist activities are illegal and involve the use of force Actions intend to intimidate or coerce Actions are committed in support of political or social objectives Awareness Level

Domestic Terrorism Involves groups or individuals whose activities, conducted without foreign influence, are directed at elements of a government or population Awareness Level

International Terrorism Involves activities committed by foreign-based groups or individuals who are either directed by countries or groups outside a country or whose activities transcend national boundaries Awareness Level

Goals of Terrorism Recognition Coercion Intimidation Provocation Awareness Level

Potential Terrorist Targets Public assembly occupancies and locations Public buildings Mass transit systems Places with high economic significance Telecommunications facilities Places with historical or symbolic significance Military installations Airports Industrial facilities Awareness Level

Categories of Terrorist Incidents Biological Nuclear Incendiary Chemical Explosive Awareness Level

Weapon of Mass Destruction According to the U.S. Government a weapon of mass destruction is any weapon or device that is intended or has the capability to cause death or serious bodily injury to a significant number of people through the release, dissemination, or impact of one of the following means: Toxic or poisonous chemicals or their precursors A disease organism Radiation or radioactivity Awareness Level

Biological Terrorism The CDC defines biological terrorism as an intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or their toxins for the purpose of harming or killing citizens. Awareness Level

Types of Biological Agents Viral agents Bacterial agents Rickettsias Biological toxins Awareness Level

Biological Attack Indicators Numerous sick or dead animals, fish, or birds Unscheduled spraying Absence of crops, wildlife, or insects that are common for the area, time of day, or time of year Materials or equipment that are unusual for the area (1 of 2) Awareness Level

Biological Attack Indicators Multiple casualties without obvious signs of trauma Multiple victims who are exhibiting similar symptoms Large numbers of persons seeking medical attention (2 of 2) Awareness Level

Chemical vs. Biological Incidents Chemical incident Symptoms are noticeable either within minutes or hours May have a unique odor and color Biological incident Symptoms may take days or even weeks to appear No odor or color May spread beyond the initial contamination Awareness Level

Chemical Terrorism Chemical attack — The deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment Awareness Level

Chemical Warfare Agents Chemical substances that are intended for use in warfare or terrorist activities to kill, seriously injure, or seriously incapacitate people through their physiological effects Awareness Level

Toxic Industrial Materials Particularly poisonous hazardous materials that are normally used for industrial purposes, but could be used by terrorists to deliberately kill, injure or incapacitate people Awareness Level

Chemical Incident Indicators Numerous sick or dead animals, fish, or birds Unscheduled spraying Vapor clouds or mists Absence of crops, wildlife, or insects that are common for the area, time of day, or time of year Out of place and unattended packages, boxes, or vehicles (1 of 3) Awareness Level

Chemical Incident Indicators Packages that are leaking Materials or equipment that are unusual for the area Small explosions that disperse liquids, mists, or gases Unusual odors or tastes (2 of 3) Awareness Level

Chemical Incident Indicators Multiple casualties without obvious signs of trauma Multiple victims who are exhibiting similar symptoms Large numbers of persons seeking medical attention (3 of 3) Awareness Level

SLUDGEM The acronym SLUDGEM is used to remember health problems: Salivation (drooling) Lacrimation (tearing) Urination Defecation Gastrointestinal upset/aggravation (cramping) Emesis (vomiting) Miosis (pinpointed pupils) or Muscular twitching/spasms Awareness Level

Criminal and Terrorist Incident Response Essentially the same as other haz mat incidents Law enforcement Must be notified Must be included Use predetermined procedures Summon help Communicate with media and public Awareness Level

Basic Principles of Response Incident priorities Life safety Incident stabilization Protection of property and the environment Establish an incident command or management system Call for additional help Awareness Level

Additional Actions at Terrorist or Criminal Incidents Notify authorities Preserve crime scene evidence Isolate exposed people and animals Secure the scene (1 of 2) Awareness Level

Additional Actions at Terrorist or Criminal Incidents Take precautions against the possibility of secondary devices Exercise caution concerning other potential hazards associated with terrorist and criminal activities (2 of 2) Awareness Level

Awareness Actions at Criminal or Terrorist Incidents Protect yourself and other first responders Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities and document your initial observation Isolate people or animals that may have been exposed Avoid actions that may disturb potential evidence (1 of 2) Awareness Level

Awareness Actions at Criminal or Terrorist Incidents Do not touch any item that may indicate a criminal or terrorist activity and be aware of the potential for secondary devices Set up control zones Take steps to prevent secondary contamination (2 of 2) Awareness Level

WARNING First responders must know their limitations at criminal and terrorist incidents. Incidents, such as those involving meth labs, require training above Awareness Level. Awareness Level

Guidelines for Preserving Evidence Do not touch anything unless it is necessary Avoid disturbing areas not directly involved in rescue activities Remember what the scene looked like upon first arrival Document observations as quickly as possible Take photographs and videos of the scene as soon as possible (1 of 3) Awareness Level

Guidelines for Preserving Evidence Remember and document when something was touched or moved Minimize the number of people working in the area, if possible Leave fatalities and their surroundings undisturbed Identify witnesses, victims, and the presence of evidence (2 of 3) Awareness Level

Guidelines for Preserving Evidence Preserve potentially transient physical evidence Follow departmental procedures for establishing chain of custody, documentation, and security measures to store crime scene evidence (3 of 3) Awareness Level

Summary First responders must be prepared to respond to incidents that may involve criminal or terrorist activity. These incidents pose an additional danger to responders that must be taken into account. Terrorism can be domestic or international and uses actions that involve force. Potential terrorist targets include those that are highly visible and are public places. (1 of 3) Awareness Level

Summary Categories of terrorist incidents include biological, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive. The term weapon of mass destruction is often used in connection with potential terrorism incidents. Biological and chemical terrorism both have unique characteristics and indicators. Knowing these characteristics and indicators are important. (2 of 3) Awareness Level

Summary When responding to an incident involving criminal or terrorist activity first responders must take additional actions. Other agencies must be involved and precautions regarding safety taken. The preservation of evidence is important at crime scenes and first responders must be aware of and follow guidelines for preserving evidence. (3 of 3) Awareness Level

Homework 1. Which of the following is an element of terrorism? A. Terrorist actions adhere to international war regulations. B. Terrorist actions use legitimate means to promote their cause. C. Terrorist actions seek to gain sympathy for their cause. D. Terrorist activities are illegal and involve the use of force. 2. Which of the following is not a category of terrorist incidents? A. Inorganic B. Biological C. Chemical D. Nuclear 3. Which of the following refers to a weapon or device that has the capability to cause death through the dissemination of toxic or poisonous chemicals? A. Warhead B. Nonconventional ammunition C. Weapon of mass destruction D. Weapon of total devastation 4. Which of the following refers to an intentional release of viruses, bacteria, or their toxins for the purpose of harming or killing citizens? A. Chemical terrorism B. Biological terrorism C. Organic terrorism D. Medical terrorism Awareness Level

Homework 5. Which of the following incidents can encompass a greater area because of contagious agents being passed to other individuals? A. Explosive incident B. Nuclear incident C. Chemical incident D. Biological incident 6. Which of the following refers to a deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment? A. Incendiary attack B. Chemical attack C. Biological attack D. Nuclear attack 7. Which of the following actions should a first responder at the Awareness Level take when criminal or terrorist activity is suspected? A. Leave the area immediately. B. Attempt to apprehend the suspects. C. Begin offensive actions if hazardous materials are involved. D. Report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities. Awareness Level

Homework 8. Which of the following would not be a significant potential terrorist target? A. Public buildings B. Military installations C. Private clubs D. Mass transit systems 9. Which of the following is a guideline for preserving evidence at crime scenes? A. Document your observations as quickly as possible. B. Remove fatalities as quickly as possible. C. Tag all items in the incident area. D. Leave the area as soon as another agency responds. 10. Which of the following refers to chemical substances that are intended for use in warfare or terrorist activities to kill people through their physiological effects? A. Level A chemical substances B. Chemical warfare agents C. Primary chemical toxins D. Toxic industrial materials Awareness Level

Awareness-Level Lesson 5 Presentation Hazardous Materials for First Responders, 3rd Ed.