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

2. 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

3. 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
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4. Domestic Terrorism
Involves groups or individuals whose activities, conducted without foreign influence, are directed at elements of a government or population
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5. 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
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6. Goals of Terrorism Recognition Coercion Intimidation Provocation
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7. 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
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8. Categories of Terrorist Incidents
Biological
Nuclear
Incendiary
Chemical
Explosive
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9. 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

10. 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

11. Types of Biological Agents
Viral agents
Bacterial agents
Rickettsias
Biological toxins
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12. 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

13. 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)
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14. 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
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15. Chemical Terrorism
Chemical attack — The deliberate release of a toxic gas, liquid or solid that can poison people and the environment
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16. 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
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17. 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
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18. 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

19. 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)
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20. 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)
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21. 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
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22. 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
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23. 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
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24. Additional Actions at Terrorist or Criminal Incidents
Notify authorities
Preserve crime scene evidence
Isolate exposed people and animals
Secure the scene
(1 of 2)
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25. 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)
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26. 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)
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27. 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)
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28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

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