Terrorism Awareness for the First Responder

Terrorism Awareness for the First Responder

Time Required: Two Hours

Materials:

   · Appropriate Visuals and Projection Equipment

References:

    · Emergency Response to Terrorism: Basic Concepts, U.S. Department of Justice and Federal

      Emergency Management Agency

   · Hazardous Materials Operations Student Guide, Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute

   · 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook, U.S. Department of Transportation

 

PREPARATION:

Motivation:

Objective (SPO): 1-1

The firefighter will demonstrate a basic knowledge of the potential for a terrorist event and indicators that may assist the emergency responder in handling the incident safely, from memory, without assistance, to a written test accuracy of 70%.

Overview:

Terrorism Awareness For The First Responder

   · Definitions

   · Examples of Terrorist Events

   · Potential Terrorist Tools

   · Scene Size Up

   · Strategy and Tactics

Terrorism Awareness for the First Responder

SPO 1-1 The firefighter will demonstrate a basic knowledge of the potential for a terrorist event and indicators that may assist the emergency responder in handling the incident safely, from memory, without assistance, to a written test accuracy of 70%.

EO 1-1 Define terrorism and related terms.

EO 1-2 Identify examples of recent terrorist events to which the fire service has been called upon to respond.

EO 1-3 Describe potential tools or means a terrorist would used to carry out an act of terrorism.

EO 1-4 Describe the basis size up elements that should be considered when responding to a potential terrorist event.

EO 1-5 Describe the basic strategy and tactics that should be considered as part of an emergency response to a terrorist event.

 

I. Definitions (1-1)

A. Terrorism - a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any segment to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objective (U.S. Department of Justice)

B. Types of Terrorism

  1. The FBI categories terrorism in the United States as either domestic or international terrorism.

  2. Domestic terrorism involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are directed at elements

      of the government or population without foreign direction.

  3. International terrorist involves groups or individuals whose terrorist activities are foreign-based

      and/or directed by countries or groups outside the United States or whose activities transcend

      national boundaries.

C. Other Considerations

  1. Terrorism is designed to disrupt the norm and create panic and fear.

  2. Terrorist events may be large to get public attention to a cause or issue or small to create concern

      for other reasons. They may also show vulnerability in certain areas.

  3. The act may be the result of religious beliefs or an act of revenge.

 

II. Examples Of Terrorist Activities (1-2)

A. Large Scale Terrorist Events

  1. World Trade Center bombing in New York City (1993)

  2. Murrah Federal Building bombing in Oklahoma City (1995)

  3. Tokyo subway chemical attack (1995)

  4. Pentagon (Arlington, VA) and World Trade Center (New York City) hijacks of commercial

      aircraft and in structures (2001)

B. Smaller Scale Terrorist Events

  1. Assassination by car bombing of Chilean Ambassador to the United States in Washington, DC

     (1976)

  2. Multiple bombings of abortion clinics in Atlanta (1996 and 1997)

  3. Numerous letters being received containing alleged anthrax (2001)

C. Other Events to Consider

  1. Tampering with over-the-counter medications

  2. Tampering with food

  3. Hijacking of commercial aircraft

  4. Hostage situations

  5. Kidnapping of political, business, or community leaders

D. Items to Remember

  1. Terrorist incidents involving chemical or biological agents are hazardous materials incidents in terms

      of operations and precautions to be taken