Chapter 41: Terrorism Response and Disaster Management

Overview

• Focuses on the EMT's response to terrorism and disaster management.
• Understanding of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) agents and countermeasures.

Terrorism

• Definition: Violent acts to intimidate or coerce civilian population or government.
  • International Terrorism: Outside U.S. jurisdiction.
  • Domestic Terrorism: Within U.S. jurisdiction.
• Types of Terrorist Groups:
  • Religious extremist groups
  • Doomsday cults
  • Violent supremacy groups
  • Cyber terrorists
  • Lone wolf terrorists: Single actor with no external support.

Active Shooter Events

• Frequent threat in the U.S., difficult to predict.
• Often involve firearms.
• Response Plan (THREAT):
  • T: Threat suppression
  • H: Hemorrhage control
  • R: Rapid extrication to safety
  • A: Assessment by medical providers
  • T: Transport to care

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

• Definition: Agents designed for mass casualties or damage.
• Categories:
  • Chemical
  • Biological
  • Radiological
  • Nuclear
  • Explosive
• Chemical Agents: Blister, choking, nerve, metabolic agents.
  • Vesicans (blister agents): Cause skin blisters, e.g., sulfur mustard.
  • Pulmonary Agents: Respiratory symptoms, e.g., chlorine, phosgene.
  • Nerve Agents: Extremely toxic, e.g., sarin, VX.
  • Metabolic Agents: Affect oxygen use, e.g., cyanide.

Biological Agents

• Types:
  • Viruses (e.g. smallpox)
  • Bacteria (e.g. anthrax, plague)
  • Neurotoxins (e.g. botulinum toxin, ricin)
• Dissemination: Spreading the agent; communicability is key.

Radiological/Nuclear Threats

• Dirty Bomb: Radiological dispersal device causing panic and injury.
• Nuclear Incidents: Rare but possible; e.g., Hiroshima, Nagasaki.
• Protection: Time, distance, and shielding.

EMT Response to Terrorism

• Situational awareness and scene safety are paramount.
• Use proper protective equipment (PPE).
• Coordinate with law enforcement and other responders.
• Follow command structure and reassess scene safety continuously.
• Decontamination: Critical for chemical and biological agents.

Mechanisms of Injury in Explosions

• Primary Blast: Direct effects on the body (e.g., hollow organs).
• Secondary Blast: Injuries from flying debris.
• Tertiary Blast: Whole body displacement impacts.
• Quaternary Blast: Other blast-related injuries (e.g., toxic inhalation).

Protective Measures

• Radiation Exposure: Use shielding, limit time, increase distance.
• Explosive Devices: Be aware of secondary devices.

Conclusion

• The lecture emphasizes the importance of preparedness and understanding different types of threats and appropriate responses to enhance safety and effectiveness of EMTs in emergency situations.