Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders

by Robert Burke, 2000

What do the World Trade Center, Atlanta Olympic Park, Oklahoma City, and the chemical attacks in Japan have in common? They are all terrorist attacks. The nature of terrorist attacks have changed. They are no longer considered to happen only in third world countries, and chemical and biological agents are replacing bombs as the method of choice. Whether terrorism is foreign or domestic, it is the local emergency responder who has to answer the call, provide security to the site, give aide to the wounded and literally put out the fire. Counter-Terrorism for Emergency Responders suggests that while these chemical attacks are not unlike other types of hazardous materials incidents, they also include additional special circumstances. With the information in this book, emergency response teams will be prepared to handle all types of hazardous materials and effectively deal with chemical and biological agents. While "It can't happen here" is still a common mind-set, chemical and biological agent attacks, bombings, nuclear devices, and incendiary devices can indeed happen in any community. The resulting loss of life and disruption of lifestyle caused by these potential incidents is too great to ignore. In providing step-by-step procedures for recognition and identification procedures, this book explores security and isolation zones, as well as the use of protective equipment and decontamination procedures. This book guides those who are responsible for providing aid and comfort to the victims at terrorist sites, whether foreign or domestic. This includes emergency medical responders, firefighters, and police.