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Ted Jarboe, M.S., C.E.M.
Montgomery County, MD Fire and Rescue Service

Number: 4
Radiological Terrorism: Are we prepared for it?

Over the past five years, first responders have received training in how to manage terrorist events involving the use of weapons that distribute harmful or deadly chemical agents, biological agents and explosive devices containing radioactive materials. Although radiation was addressed in part of this training, most of the emphasis was on chemical and biological agents.

A few months ago the media reported stories about a potentially new threat... the dirty bomb. This is a bomb described as one containing explosives, wrapped in radiological materials. The devastation of such a bomb depends on the type and quantity of explosives and radioactive materials used, location of release, weather conditions and other factors. If people are near an exploded device, they could receive traumatic injuries, be exposed to radiation, and perhaps become contaminated.

The "bang" associated with the initiation of a radiation dispersal device (RRD) could confuse first responders into thinking that the event was a conventional explosive only. Unless notified as part of the emergency dispatch, how would first responders know that an explosion involved the release of radioactive materials?

If the initial scene assessment suggests a deliberate act, then first responders should consider the possibility of released radioactive materials. This does not mean that first responders should immediately withdraw from the area and not triage and treat casualties consistent with their local procedures. Even if radioactive materials were present, first responders should not delay actions to save lives. Of course, if a building were involved and it had sustained questionable structural damage, then the Incident Commander should evaluate the risk of harm to the first responders. Based on the risk assessment, the Incident Command may decide to request a structural collapse rescue team to stabilize the building and later rescue trapped victims.

Obviously, first responders would need radiological instruments to rule out the presence of radioactive materials or to evaluate the apparent level of radiation present. Hazardous materials response teams carry instruments to detect alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Some teams also have "alert pagers" that alarm when the background gamma radiation exceeds the preset level of the pagers.

I do not think that many fire departments carry radiation detection instruments or alert pagers on normal dispatch emergency response vehicles. Perhaps first responders should dust off their "CDV-777 radiological kits" of yesteryear and place them on some of the emergency vehicles. Newer instruments are preferred if funding is available. Depending on the particular fire department, these instruments may be the only ones available on the scene for an hour or more.

However, I offer two cautions about adding radiological instruments to emergency response vehicles other than hazardous materials units. First, first responders must ensure these instruments are properly maintained. Secondly, the potential users of these instruments must maintain proficiency in their use, and also know the significance of readings obtained at the scene of a radiological incident. Without adequately addressing these cautions, first responders may unnecessarily delay treatment of casualties with traumatic injuries.

If we are prepared for radiological terrorism we should not fear its consequences. Planning, training and exercises serve to strengthen emergency response.

Below are two scenarios that first responders can use to challenge their capabilities. Instructors can modify the scenarios and add additional information consistent with local training objectives.

Scenario 1

A panel truck, carrying packages of radioisotopes, was en route to several hospitals in the area, when it suddenly went out of control and crashed into a tree. Just before impact, witnesses heard what sounded like a small explosion inside the truck. The overturned truck came to rest on its top. About 20 type A packages were thrown from the truck. Many of them were visibly damaged, with liquid seeping from some of the crushed packages. Several witnesses stated they saw a man jump from the truck and run away just before it crashed.

As the Incident Commander, outline some of the key considerations and actions necessary to manage this type of incident.

Scenario 2

Your fire department is dispatched to a report of an explosion near a shopping center. While en route, the responding units are notified by the Emergency Communications Center dispatcher that there are reports of several explosions in the vicinity of the shopping center. The dispatcher later informs the units that a person called and said he is responsible for the explosions and that he has released deadly radiation to kill hundreds of people.

As the Incident Commander, outline some of the key considerations and actions necessary to manage this type of incident. Assume there are many casualties both inside and outside the shopping center, and there is radiation contamination for about a one-block radius around the shopping center.

First responders should review their procedures to determine if they need updating. Training and exercises are also recommended to help them maintain their state of readiness to manage a terrorist attack involving the release of radioactive materials. The domestic challenge of managing a mass casualty incident in an environment of exposure and contamination to radioactive materials is extraordinary, yet manageable. The key is preparedness based on an effective plan that is exercised, and training that builds capability and confidence.

This column is meant to stimulate thinking and to promote radiological emergency planning. The threat of radiological terrorism could be looming in the future. Be prepared.

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• Weapons Of Mass Destruction Archives