NFPA 1081 Standard Knowledge Objectives

Inc ipie nt Indust ria l Fire B riga de M e mbe r After compl eti ng thi s chapter, you will be abl e to:
NFPA 1081 contai ns no Inci pi ent Industrial Job Performance Requi rements for • Descri be the threat posed by terrori sm.
thi s chapter. • Identi fy potenti al terrori st targets i n your j uri sdi cti on.
• Descri be the dangers posed by explosi ve devi ces.
• Descri be the di fference between chemi cal and bi ologi c agents.
A dv a nc ed Ext e rior Indust ria l Fire B riga de Me mbe r • Descri be the dangers posed by radi ol ogi cal i ncidents.
NFPA 1081 contai ns no Advanced Exteri or Industri al Job Performance • Descri be the need for decontami nati on of exposed vi cti ms and response
Requirements for thi s chapter. personnel.

Inte rior St ruc tural Indust ria l Fire B riga de M e mbe r

NFPA 1081 contai ns no Interi or Structural Industri al Job Performance
Skills Objectives
Requirements for thi s chapter. There are no skill s obj ecti ves for thi s chapter.

Additional NFPA Standard

NFPA 600 Standard on Industri al Fi re Bri gades
 During routine switching of the incoming raiicars to be filled with raw products, members of your
rail shipping department note a cardboard box sitting near the dome of one of the raiicars and a
compressed gas cylinder located underneath the same car. The facility security department is
immediately contacted, and it immediately requests that the facility emergency response team
report to the incident site. As response team members arrive on the scene, you note numerous
personnel standing in very close proximity to the railcar.
/. What should your first actions b e as you arrive on the scene?
2. Which characteristics of this scene should concern you?
3. What information would you immediately request from the personnel involved in the
incident?
4. Who would you immediately contact regarding this incident?

Introduction
Domestic terroris m, as defined by U.S. Code, Tit le 18, Part I, (Figure 24-1) The September 11th attack on the World Trade Center
Chapter 113B, is activit ies that "involve acts dangerous to accounted for the majority of the deaths caused by terrorists in 2001.
human life that are a vio lat ion of the criminal laws of the
United States or of any State. These would include activities
that are, o r appear to be, intended to intimidate or coerce a
civilian population, the government, or any segment thereof,
in furtherance of political or social objectives."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) classifies terror-
ism as either do mestic or international. Do mestic terrorism
refers to acts committed within the United States, without any
influence of foreign interests. International terrorism includes
any acts that transcend international boundaries.
Terroris m is a worldwide threat. Throughout the world,
there were 1,106 incidents of international terroris m, result-
ing in the deaths of 2,494 innocent civilians in 2000. Although
there were only 864 terrorist incidents recorded in 2001, the
attack on the World Trade Center accounted for the majority
of the 4,739 worldwide deaths ( ► Figure 24T).
Within the United States, there were 24 terrorist incidents
between 1994 and 1999 and three additional crimes that were
suspected to be terro rist in nature. Most of these incidents
were classified as domestic terrorism. During the same period,
law enfo rcement agencies prevented 47 terro rist incidents.

Fire Service Response to Terrorist Incidents

The fire service has a major ro le in p rotecting co mmunit ies
fro m terroris m. The fire serv ice role includes emergency
medical serv ices (EM S), hazardous materials mit igat ion,
technical rescue, and fire suppression. All of these functions
 Ter r oris m A war e ness 693

may be needed when a terrorist incident occurs. Terrorism Terroris m may occur in many different ways, including
presents new challenges for the fire sen-ice. It also presents events that may look like an accident or a naturally occu r ring
an unparalleled threat to the lives of brigade members and event. Chemical, bio logical, rad iolog ical, nuclear, and
emergency responders. exp losive (CBRNE) events may be masked to take many
The terro rist threat requ ires brigade members to wo rk forms and be performed by lone actors or "state-sponsored"
closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies; groups. Many events have targeted such places as family
emergency management agencies; allied health agencies; and plann ing clin ics, food p roduction laborato ries, and civ ic
the military. It is crit ical that all o f these agencies work buildings. There are many causes with supporters who range
together in a coordinated and cooperative manner. All emer- fro m peacefu l, nonviolent organizations to fanatical fringe
gency responders and law enforcement agencies must be pre- groups.
pared to face a wide range of potential situations. It is often possible to anticipate likely targets and potential
The greatest threat posed by terro rists is the use of attacks . Law en forcement agencies rout inely gather
weapons of mass destructi on (WMD). dev ices that are intelligence about terro rist groups, threats, and potential
designed to cause maxi mu m damage to p roperty or people. targets. In many cases this in formation is shared with fire
These weapons include chemical, bio logic, and radio logical brigades so that preincident plans can be developed for pos -
agents, as well as conventional weapons and exp losives. sible targets and scenarios. Even if no specific threats have
Thousands of casualties could result fro m a WMD attack in been made, certain types of occupancies are kno wn to be
an urban area. An incident of this magnitude could quickly potential targets, and p reincident planning for those loca -
overwhelm not only the largest and best-trained emergency tions should include the possibility of a terrorist attack as
response agencies but als o the local health care system. well as an accidental fire.
The fire s erv ice must adap t and b e p repared fo r the News accounts o f t erro rist incidents ab road can help
threat of terro rist attacks by exp lo ring new app roaches and keep brigade members current with t rends in terro rist tac -
technologies to manage WM D incidents. One o f the h igh est tics. They can p rov ide useful in format ion about situat ions
prio rit ies is to imp rove the ab ility of first responders to that could occur in your jurisdict ion in the future. There are a
identify and mit igate releases of chemical, b io logic, and number of "high-tech" methods available to keep abreast of
radio logical agents. emerg ing issues, such as through numerous news groups,
list serves, and federal websites (e.g ., www.fema.gov,
Potential Targets and Tactics www.llis.gov, and www.dhs.gov).

Terrorists are usually motivated by a cause and choose targets Ecoterrorism Targets
they believe will help them achieve their goals and objectives. Ecoterroris m refers to illegal acts committed by groups sup-
Many terrorist incidents aim to instill fear and panic among porting environmental or related causes. Examp les include
the general population and to disrupt daily ways of life. In spiking trees to sabotage logging operations, vandalizing a
other cases, they choose a symbolic target, such as a place of university research laboratory that is conducting experiments
worship, a foreign embassy, a monument, o r a pro minent on animals, or firebombing a store that sells fur coats. Several
government building. So metimes the objective is sabotage, to incidents of domestic ecoterrorism have been attributed to
destroy or disable a facility that is significant to the terrorist special interest groups such as the Earth Liberation Front and
cause. The ultimate goal could be to cause economic turmo il the Animal Liberation Front.
by interfering with transportation, trade, o r co mmerce.
Terrorists choose a method of attack they think will make Infrastructure Targets
the desired statement or achieve the maximu m results. They Terrorists might strike bridges, tunnels, or subways in an
may vary their methods or change them over time. Exp losive attempt to disrupt transportation and inflict a large number of
devices have been used in thousands of terrorist attacks; in casualties (Figure 24-2 ). They could also attack the public water
recent years, however, there has been a significant increase supply or try to disable the electrical power distribution
in the nu mber o f suicide bo mb ings. system, telephones, or the Internet. Disruption of a commu-
Many terrorist incidents in the 1980s involved the taking nity's 9-1-1 system or public safety radio network would have a
of hostages on hijacked aircraft or cruise ships. So met imes, very d irect imp act on emergency response agencies.
only a few people were held; other times, hundreds of peo ple Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 7 identifies
were taken hostage. Diplo mats, journalists, and athletes were critical infrastructures as agriculture and food, defense indus -
targeted in several incidents, and the terrorists often offered trial base, energy, public health and health care, national
to release their hostages in exchange for the release of monu ments and icons, banking and finance, drinking water,
imprisoned ind iv iduals allied with th e terro rist cause. More and water treatment systems. The "Sector-Specific Federal
recent terrorist actions have endangered thousands of lives Agencies" responsible for each critical infrastructure are iden-
with no opportun ity to bargain . tified in the directive.
 694 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

(Figure 24-2) Subw ays, airports, bridges, and hos pitals are all vulnerable to attack by terrorists who seek to interrupt a nation's infrast ructure.

Symbolic Targets
Monu ments such as the Linco ln Memorial, Washington
Monument, or Mount Rushmore may be targeted by groups
who want to attack sy mbo ls o f national p ride and acco m-
plishment (Figure 24-3). Foreign embassies and institutions
might be attacked by g roups pro mot ing revo lut ion within
those countries or protesting their internat ional poli cies.
Relig ious institutions or other visible icons are potential

Fire M acks
The Earth Liberation Front claimed credit for ars on fires that destroy ed
several m ountaint op buildings at a ski resort in Vail, C olorado in 1998.
The group was trying to prevent the development of additional ski trails
on the mountain.

(Figure 24-3) Terrorists might attempt to destroy visible national ic ons

 Terr oris m A ware nes s
6S5

Brigade Member Tips Fire M arks

,
Potential Terrorist Targets
U'1
Ecoterroris m Targets ^**

Controv ersial developm ent projects Major Terrorist Incidents in the United States
Environm entally sensitive areas Research
facilities Septe mb er 1984 T he Da lle s, Ore g on
Infrastructure Tar gets To influence loc al elections, a religious s ect spread salmonella on s alad
Brigades and tunnels Emergency facilities bars in four restaurants, res ulting in 750 c ases of salm onella pois oning.
Hospitals Oil refineries Pipelines Pow er Feb ru ary 1 993 Ne w Yo rk, Ne w Y ork
plants Railroads Telecomm unic ations A large ex plosive device w as detonat ed in a van park ed in the
systems Water reservoirs and treatment underground garage of the W orld Trade C enter. Six work ers were killed
and more than a thous and people were injured.
plants
Ap ril 1995 Okla ho ma City , Ok lah o ma
Symb olic Targets
The Alfred E. Murrah Federal Building w as demolished by a truck bomb
Embassies Governm ent buildings M ilitary
that als o killed 167 people. (An NF PA Fire Inv estigations report is
bas es National monum ents Places of available on t his inc ident.)
worship 1978 t o 19 95 U nite d St ates
Civilian Targets Over a period of 17 y ears, the U nabom ber mailed at least 16 pack ages
Arenas and stadiums Airports and railroad containing explosiv es to univ ers ity prof essors, corporate exec utives, and
stations Mass-transit systems Schools and other targeted individuals. These attacks killed 3 individuals and injured
univ ersities Shopping m alls Theme parks 23 others.
Cyberterroris m Tar gets July 1996 Atla nta, Ge or g ia
Banking and finance com puter systems A pipe bom b ex ploded in the Centennial Olym pic Park, killing one
Business com put er systems Court pers on and injuring 111 people.
computer systems Government computer Jan uar y 199 7 Atla nta, Ge o rg ia
systems Law-enforcem ent computer Follow ing the bom bing of an abortion c linic in suburban At lanta, a
systems Military computer systems secondary device ex ploded, wounding several em ergency res pon-ders. A
month later, another sec ondary devic e was found and dis arm ed at the
Agroterr oris m Tar gets
scene of a bom bing at a gay nightclub in Atlanta.
Crops Feed storage Grain elev ators Jan uar y 199 8 Bi r min g ha m, Ala ba ma
Livestock and poultry A bom b killed a polic e offic er w ho w as providing s ecurity at an abortion
clinic.
Oct o ber 1998 V a il, C ol ora d o
Ars on destroyed eight buildings at a ski resort. An extremist envi-
ronmental group opposed to ex pansion of the res ort claimed
responsibility.
Septe mber 11 , 2001 Ne w Yo rk, Ne w Y ork / Wash in gto n,
D.C ./Pen nsylvan ia
Terrorists hijacked four com me rcial jets. Two w ere flown into the World
Trade Center, one struck the Pentagon, and the fourth cras hed int o a field
in rural Pennsylv ania. More than 3,000 people died in the various
incidents.
Fall 2001 Unite d States
Five people died after letters containing anthrax virus were sent to various
locations in the east ern U nited States. The Brentw ood Post Offic e in
Washingt on, D.C., finally reopened m ore than 2 years after anthrax
passed through its doors.
 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S AND P R A C T I C E

targets of hate groups. By targeting these symbols, terrorist attempts have been made to d isrupt the Internet o r to attack
groups seek to make people aware o f their demands and create govern ment co mputer systems and other crit ical net wo rks.
a sense of fear in the pub lic.
Agroterrorism Targets
Civilian Targets Agroterrorism is the use of a biological, chemical, radiologi-
Terrorists who attack civilian targets such as shopping malls, cal, or other agent against either the preharvest or postharvest
schools, or stadiums ind iscriminately kill or in jure the max- stages of food and fiber production to inspire fear or cause eco-
imu m nu mber of potential victi ms (Fig ure 24 -4). Their goal nomic damage, public health impact, or other adverse impact
is to create fear in every member of society and to make against the United States (Figure 24-5). Biological agents can
citizens feel vu lnerable in their daily lives. Letter bo mbs or impact animal or plant health or lead to hu man disease if they
lett ers that contain a b io log ic agent hav e a s imilar effect. are zoonotic (i.e., diseases that are naturally transmitted
between vertebrate an imals and man with or without an
Cyberterrorism Targets arthropod intermediary).
Groups might engage in cyberterrorism by elect ronically
attacking govern ment or private co mputer systems. Several
Agents and Devices
Terrorists can use several different kinds of weapons in an
attack. Bo mb ings are the most frequent terrorist acts, but
brigade memb ers also must be aware of other potent ial
weapons. By shooting into a crowd at a shopping mall o r
train stat ion, a sing le terro rist with an auto mat ic weapon
could cause devastating carnage. A biologic agent that is vis -
ible only through a microscope could cause thousands to
become ill and die. A co mputer v irus that attacks the ban k ing
indust ry cou ld cause t remendous econo mic losses.
Plann ing should consider the fu ll range of possibilit ies.

Explosives and Incendiary Devices

According to the FBI's Bo mb Data Center, there has been a
substant ial increase in the nu mber o f b o mb ings in the
Un ited St ates over recent years. Between 1987 and 1997.
the FBI reco rded 23,613 bo mb ing incid ents, resu lt ing in
448 deaths and 4,170 in juries. Incend iary dev ices account
fo r 20% to 25% o f all bo mb ing incid ents in the Un ited
(Figure 24-4) By attacking a civilian target like a crow ded stadium, terror ists States.
might make citizens feel vulnerable in their everyday lives. Groups or ind ividuals have used exp losives to fu rther a
cause; to intimidate a co-worker o r fo rmer spouse; to take
revenge; or simp ly to experiment with a recipe found in a
book o r on the Int ernet .
Each year thousands of pounds of explosives are stolen
fro m construction sites, mines, military facilit ies, and other
locations. How much of this material makes its way to crim-
inals and terrorists is not known (Figure 24-6 ). Terrorists can
also use commonly available materials, such as a mixture of
ammoniu m n itrate fertilizer and fuel oil (A NFO), to create
their own b lasting agents.
An improvised explosi ve device (IED) is any exp losive
device that is fabricated in an imp rovised manner. An IED
could be contained in almost any type of package from a letter
bomb to a truckload of exp losives. The Unabomber con -
structed at least 16 bo mbs that were delivered in s mall
packages through the postal service. The bo mb ings of the
World Trade Center in 1993 and t he A lfred E. Mu rrah
(Figure 24-5) Agroterroris m might affect our food supply. Federal Bu ild ing in 1995 both invo lved delivery veh icles
 Ter r oris m A war e ness 697

(Figure 24-6) Every year, thousands of pounds of explosives are stolen. ( Figure 24-8) Pipe bombs can come in many shapes and sizes.

Brigade Member Safety Tips

A terrorist event may be designed to target em ergency res ponders as
well as civilians. Explos ives do not discriminate. Any one nearby can be
severely injured or killed.

Pipe bo mbs are so met imes packed with nails or other

objects so they will inflict as much injury as possible on any-
one in the vicin ity. A chemical or bio logic agent or radio-
logical material cou ld be added to a p ipe bo mb to create a
much mo re co mp licat ed and dang erous incid ent. Experts
can only specu late at the nu mber o f casualt ies that cou ld
result fro m such a weapon.

( Figure 24-7) The Alfred E. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahom a City was Secondary Devices
destroyed by a truck bomb. Emergency responders must realize that terrorists may have
placed a secondary device in the area where an init ial event
has occurred. These devices are intended to exp lode some
time after the initial device exp lodes. Secondary devices are
lo ad ed w it h A NF O an d d et o n at ed b y a s i mp le t i me r designed to kill or injure emergency responders, law enforce-
(Figure 24-7 ). As of late 2003, 40-60% of all attacks in Iraq ment personnel, spectators, or news reporters. Terrorists may
began with an IED. use this tactic to attack the best-trained and most experienced
investigators and emergency responders, or simply to increase
Pipe Bombs the levels of fear and chaos following an attack.
The most co mmon IED is the pi pe bomb. A pipe bo mb is The use of secondary devices is a common tactic in inci-
simp ly a length o f p ipe filled with an exp losive substance d ents ab ro ad and h as o ccu rred at incidents in No rth
and rigged with some type of detonator (Figure 24-8 ). Most A merica. In 1998, a bo mb exp loded outs ide a Geo rg ia
pipe bombs are simp le devices, made with black powder or abortion clin ic. About an hour later, a second exp losion
smokeless powder and ignited by a hobby fuse. More inju red seven people, including t wo emergency responders.
sophisticated pipe bombs may use a variety of chemicals and A similar secondary device was discovered appro ximately
incorporate elect ronic t imers, mercury switches, vib ration one month later at the scene of a bo mb ing in a nearby co m-
s wit ches , photo cells, o r remot e co nt ro l detonato rs as mun ity . Responders were ab le to d isable th is dev ice before
triggers. it detonated .
698 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

W or ki n g wi t h Ot h e r A ge n ci es
Joint t raining with local, state, and federal agencies charged
Brigade Member Safety Tips
with handling incidents involving exp losive dev ices should Radio w aves can trigger electric blasting caps, initiating an
occur on a rout ine basis. A mong these agencies are local explosion. Radio transmitters should not be us ed near a
and state police; the FBI; the Bureau of Alcoho l, Tobacco, suspicious device.
and Firearms; and military exp los ive ordn ance d isposal
(EOD) un its. In so me ju risd ict ions , the mun icip al fire
brigad e is respons ib le fo r hand ling exp los ive dev ices.
Designated brigade members should be given the necessary
train ing and equ ip ment . In some cases, a forward staging area will be established
with a rapid intervention team standing by to provide imme-
Potentially Explosive Devices diate assistance to the bomb disposal team if something goes
Brigade members should consult their organization's Standard wrong. Other b rigade members and emergency med ical per-
Operating Procedures (SOP) for specific policies on bombing sonnel would remain in a remote staging area.
incidents. Fire brigade un its responding to an incident that
involves a potentially exp losive device—one that has not yet Actions Following an Explosion
exploded—should move all emp loyees fro m the area and Unless the cause of an exp losion is known to be accidental,
establish a perimeter at a safe distance. At no time should brigade members at the scene should always consider the
brigade members handle a potential exp losive device unless possibility that an explosive device was detonated. The first
they have received special training. Trained EOD personnel priority should be to ensure the safety of the scene. Brigade
should assess the device and render it inoperative. members should also consider the possibility that a secondary
While waiting for the properly trained personnel to arrive, device may be in the vicinity. Responders should quickly sur-
the fire brigade should establish an initial co mmand post and a vey the area for any suspicious bags, packages, or other items.
staging area ( Figure 24-9 ). Because there may be secondary It is also possible that chemical, b iologic, or radiolog ical
devices, the staging area should be at least 3,000' from the agents may be involved in a terrorist bo mb ing. Qualified
incident site. In this type of incident, a joint command struc- personnel with mon itoring instru ments should be assigned
ture, common ly referred to as a unified co mmand, should be to check the area for potential contaminants. These precau -
established to coordinate the actions of all agencies. tions should be imp lemented immediately.
If the bo mb disposal team decides to disarm the dev ice, The in it ial size -up should also include an assessment of
an emergency act ion p lan must be developed in case there is hazards and dangerous situations. The stability of any build -
an accidental detonation. The Incident Co mmander (IC) will ing involved in the exp losion must be evaluated before any -
work in concert with law en forcement and EOD personnel one is permitted to enter. Entering an unstable area without
to determine a safe perimeter where brigade members and proper train ing and equip ment may co mp licate rescue and
emergency medical personnel should be staged. recovery efforts.

Chemical Agents
Chemical agents have the potential to kill or in jure g reat
numbers of people. Several chemical weapons, includ ing
phosgene, chlorine, and mustard agents, were used in World
War I, resulting in thousands of battlefield deaths and per-
manent in juries. Chemical weapons were also used du ring
the Iran-Iraq War (1980 to 1988). Although internat ional
agreements prohibit the use of chemical and bio logic agents
on the batt lefield , there is g reat con cern that chemical
weapons could be used by terrorists or co mbatants.
In 1995, the relig ious cu lt Au m Sh in rikyo released a
nerve agent , s ari n. into the To kyo subway system. Th is
attack resu lted in 12 deaths and over 1,000 in ju ries. Many
experts believe that this attack was ineffective, because there
were relat ively few casualt ies even though thousands of
subway riders were potentially exposed. This attack instilled
fear in a large popu lat ion . A prev ious sarin attack in
(Figure 24-9 ) If the fire brigade is first to arrive at the scene of an explo- Matsumoto, Japan killed seven people and inju red appro xi -
sion, it should establish an initial command post. mately 300 others.
 Ter r oris m A war e ness 699

The basic instructions for making chemical weapons are

readily availab le through a variety of sources, including the
In ternet , b oo ks , an d o th er p ub licat ions . Add it ion ally ,
the required chemicals can be obtained fairly easily. Many of
the chemicals classified as WMD are routinely used in legiti-
mate industrial processes. For instance, chlorine gas is used
in swimming pools, at water treatment facilities, and in indus -
try (Figure 24-10). However, chlorine is classified as a
choking agent, because inhalation causes severe pulmonary
damage.
Cyanide compounds such as hydrogen cyanide (HCN) are
used in the production of paper and synthetic textiles as well
as in photography and print ing. These chemicals are stored
and transported in various sized containers, ranging from small
containers and pressurized cylinders to railroad tank cars. ( Figure 24 -11) C rop-dusting may be used to distribute chem ical or
Chemical weapons can be disseminated in several ways. biological agents.
Simp ly releasing ch lorine gas fro m a storage tank in an
unguarded rail yard could cause thousands of inju ries and
deaths. A chemical ag ent can be add ed to an exp los ive
device. Crop-dusting aircraft , truck-mounted spraying units,
or hand-operated pu mp tan ks could be used to d isperse an
agent over a wide area (Figure 24-11 ).

Protection from Chemical Agents

Dispers ion by aeroso lizat io n is a key method used in
chemical attacks. Agents released outdoors will follow wind
currents; agents released inside will be d ispersed through a
building's air circulat ion system. So me chemical agents have
d ist inct ive odo rs; if t here is any un usual odo r at an
emergency scene, brigade members must use full personal
protect ive equ ip ment (PPE) includ ing
self-contained

( Figure 24-12) If an unusual odor is reported at the scene, a brigade member

must use full PPE gear and an SCBA device.

breathing apparatus (SCBA) ( Figure 24-12). In addition, the

area should be monito red with the appropriate detection
devices. Remember that it is never sufficient to rely strictly
(Figure 24-10) Although chlorine is regularly used in sw imming pools
on odor to determine the presence of a chemical agent.
and water treatment facilities, it is also classif ied as a choking agent that can
be used in a terrorist attack.
700 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

Table 24-1 Common Nerve Agents

Metho d of Nerv e Ag ent C o nta mi nati o n
C haracte ristics

Tabun (GA) Skin cont act Dis ables t he c hemic al

Inhalation connections bet w een nerves and target
organs
Som an(GD) Sk in c ont act Odor of
cam phor Inhalation
Sarin (GB) Inhalation Ev aporat es quick ly
V-agent (VX) Skin cont act Oily liquid that c an
persist for weeks

Table 24-2 Symptoms of Nerve Agent Exposure

SLUDGE
• Saliv at ion • Lacrim ation • U rinat ion •
Diaphores is • Gastrointest inal dist ress (diarrhea,
vomiting) • Em esis
Tri ple Bs (B B B) a nd M iosis (M)
• Bradyc ardia • Bronc horrhea • Bronchospasm •

(Figure 24-13) I n their normal states, nerve agents are liquids. They must M ios is
be dispers ed in aerosol form to be inhaled or absorbed by the skin.

Nerve Agents
Nerve agents are toxic substances that attack the central nervous
system. They were first developed in Germany before World War
II. Today, several countries maintain stockpiles of these agents.
Nerve agents are similar to some pesticides, but they are
extremely to xic. Nerve agents can be 100 to 1,000 times more
toxic than similar pesticides. Exposure to these agents can result considered persistent. The most stable nerve agent, V-agent
in injury or death within minutes. or VX, is considered persistent because it takes several days
In their normal states, co mmon nerve agents are liquids or weeks to evaporate. Common nerve agents, their methods
(Figure 24-13). As liquids, these agents are not likely to of contamination, and specific characteristics are shown in (
contaminate large nu mbers o f peop le because d irect con tact Table 24-1).
with the agent is requ ired. To be an effect ive weapon, th e When a person is exposed to a nerve agent , sy mpto ms
liqu id must b e d isp ersed in aeroso l fo rm, o r b ro ken d o wn will beco me evident with in minutes. The symptoms include:
in to fin e d rop lets s o th at it can b e inh aled o r absorbed by pinpoint pupils, runny nose, drooling, d ifficulty breathing,
the skin . tearing , t witch ing , d iarrhea, con vu lsions or seizures, and
Pouring a liquid nerve agent onto the floor of a cro wded loss of consciousness. Several mnemonics are used to help
build ing would probably not immed iately contaminate large you remember these sympto ms. The mnemonic used most
nu mbers o f p eop le; ho wever, it wou ld produ ce fear and often by the fire service is SLUDGE ( Table 24-2),
panic. The effectiveness of the agent would depend on how
long it remains in the liquid state and how widely it is d is -
persed th roughout the bu ild ing . S arin, th e most vo lat ile
SLUDGE and the Triple Bs
nerve agent, evaporates at the same rate as water and is not SLUDGE is an acronym that stands for salivation, lacrima tion
(excessive tears), u rin at ion, d iapho resis (excessive
sweat ing ), gast ro in test inal d istress/d iarrhea, and emes is
 Ter r oris m A war e ness 701

(vomiting). The trip le B's are bradycardia (slo w heart rate),

bronchorrhea (excessive secret ion in the lung membranes),
and bronchospasm (muscle spas m in the bronch ial tubes).
A n M is add ed fo r mio s is (e xces s iv e cons t rict io n o f
the pupils).
The U.S. military has developed a nerve agent ant idote
kit, which contains t wo med icat ions: at rop ine and
prali-do xime chlo ride (2-PAM). These antidotes can be
quickly in ject ed into a person who has been contamin ated
by a n erve agent . The Mark 1 Nerve Ag ent Anti dote Ki t
has

( Figure 24-ilT) Typic al effects of a blistering agent.

been issued to many mun icipal fire depart ments' hazardous

materials teams (•< Figure 24-14).

Blister Agents
Two chemical agents are generally used as blistering agents.
Cont act with eith er o f these chemicals will cause the s kin
to blister.
Sulfur mustard (H) is a clear, yellow, or amber, oily liq uid
with a faint sweet odor of mustard or garlic. It vaporizes
slowly at temperate climates and may be d ispersed in an
aerosol form.
Lewisite (L) is an oily, co lorless-to-dark-b rown liqu id
with an odor o f geran iu ms.
Blister agents produce pain fu l bu rns and b listers with
even min imal exposure ( A Figure 24-15). The major differ-
ence between these two blister agents is that lewisite causes
pain immed iately upon contact with the skin, while the signs
and symptoms fro m exposure to mustard gas may not appear
for several hours. The patient will co mplain of burning at the
site of the exposure, the skin will redden, and blisters will
app ear. Th e eyes may also itch , bu rn , an d t u rn red .
Inhalation of mustard gas produces significant respiratory
damage.

Choking Agents
The t wo chemicals that are likely to be used as choking
agents are phosgene (CG) and chlorine (CL). Both of these
agents were used extensively as weapons in Wo rld War I,
and both have several industrial uses. They cause severe
pulmonary damage and asphy xia.
(Figure 24-14) Mark 1 Nerve Agent Antidot e Kit.
These choking agents are heavier than air, so they tend to
settle in lo w areas. Sub ways, basements, and sewers are
prime areas for these agents to accumulate. Brigae members
wearing app rop riat e PPE shou ld qu ickly evacuate p eop le
702 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

drink was used in the mass suicide of over 900 members of a

relig ious cult in Guyana in 1978.
The few sy mpto ms associated with cyan ide exposure
occur quickly. Those exposed to the gas will begin gasping for
air, and if eno ugh ag en t is inh aled , t he s kin may beg in to
appear red. Seizu res are also possible. A co mp lete and rapid
evacuation of the area is the most appropriate course of action.

Biologic Agents
Biologic agents are organisms that cause diseases and attack
the body. Biologic agents include bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Some of these organisms, like anthrax, can live in the ground
for years, while others are rendered harmless after being
exposed to sunlight for only a short period of time. The highest
potential fo r infect ion is th rough inh alat ion, although so me
biologic agents can be absorbed, in jected through the skin, or
ingested. The effects of a biologic agent depend on the specific
organism or to xin, the dose, and the route of entry. So me of
these diseases, such as smallpo x and pneumonic plague, are
contagious and can be passed from person to person. Doctors
are very concerned about the use of contagious diseases as
weapons, because the resulting epidemic cou ld overwhelm
the healthcare system. There is growing concern that a
terrorist group will use one of these agents against a civilian
population.
(Figure 24-16) Someone who has been exposed to phosgene or chlorine
Anthrax
should be moved from the contaminated area and the skin flushed wit h water.
Anthrax is an infect ious d isease caused by the bact eria
Bacillus anthracis, which is typically found around farms and
in fects livesto ck. Fo r use as a weap on, the bacteria is
fro m such areas when the possibility of phosgene or chlorine cultured to develop anthrax spores. The spores, in powdered
exposure exists. fo r m, can t h en b e d is p ers ed in a v ariet y o f way s
Exposure to high concentrations of phosgene or chlorine (Figure 24-17). Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 spores are
will immediately irritate the eyes, nose, and upper airway. typically requ ired to cause an anth rax in fect ion. Spo res
Within hours, the exposed indiv idual will beg in to develop infect ing the skin cause cutaneous anthrax; ingested spores
pulmon ary edema (flu id in the lungs). Those exposed to cause gastro intestinal anthrax; and inhaled spores cause
lower concentrations may not have any in itial sympto ms but inhalat ional anthrax.
can still experience respiratory damage. In 2001, four letters containing anthrax were mailed to
Although neither agent is absorbed through the skin, they locations in New Yo rk City; Boca Raton, Florida; and
can both cause skin burns on contact. Decontami nati on Washington, D.C. Five peop le d ied after being exposed to
consists of removing exposed indiv iduals fro m the area and the contents of these letters, includ ing two postal workers
flushing the skin with water ( Figure 24-16). who were exposed as the letters passed through postal sort-
ing centers. Several major govern ment build ings had to be
Blood Agents shut down fo r months to be decontaminated .
Blood agents are high ly to xic poisons that can cause death Because these incidents followed shortly after the events
within minutes of exposure. The two most co mmon b lood of September 11, 2001, they caused tremendous public con -
agents are both cyanide compounds: hydrogen cyanide (AC) cern. Emergency personnel had to respond to thousands of
and cyanogen chloride (CK). Both of these chemicals are incidents invo lv ing suspicious packages and cit izens who
commonly used in industry. believed that they might have been exposed to anthrax. Each
Cyanide can be inhaled or ingested. Cyanide gas is typi- of these situations had to be evaluated.
cally associated with the death penalty and the gas chamber. A A 1970 publicat ion fro m the World Health Organization
liqu id cyan id e mi xed with valiu m and a g rap e flavo red is often used to show the dangers of anth rax. Acco rding to
th is p ub licat ion , 110 pounds o f anth rax s p ray ed ov er an
 Te rr oris m A w ar e nes s 70 3

(Figure 24-17) Anthrax spores can be dispersed in a variety of ways. (Figure 24 -18) Sm allpox is a highly contagious disease wit h a mortality
rate of approximately 30%. (Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.)
urban center with 500,000 residents could cause 220,000
deaths.

Smallpox
Small pox is a highly in fectious disease caused by the virus
vario la. The d isease kills appro ximately 30% o f those
infected. A lthough s mallpo x was once routinely encoun -
tered throughout the world, by 1980 it was successfully
eradicated as a public health threat through the use of an
extremely effective vaccine. So me nations maintained cul-
tures of the disease for research purposes. International ter -
rorist groups may have acqu ired the virus.
The s mallpo x virus cou ld be d ispersed over a wide area in
an aerosol form. Infecting a s mall number of people could lead
to a rapid spread of the d isease throughout a targeted
population because smallpo x is h ighly contagious. The dis -
ease is easily spread by direct contact, droplet, and airborne
transmission. Patients are considered highly in fectious and (Figure 24 -19) A bubo, one of the symptoms of plague, is a swollen, painful
should be quarant ined until the last scab has fallen off ( lymph node.
Figure 24-18).
By 1980, when s mallpo x was erad icated, the worldwide
vaccination program was d iscontinued. Today millions of The plague bacteria can survive for weeks in water, mo ist
people have never been vaccinated and millions mo re have soil, or g rains. It has been cu ltured fo r d istribut ion as a
reduced immun ity because decades have passed since their weapon in aerosol form. Inhalation of the aerosol would put
last immun izat ion. the target population at risk for pneu monic p lague.

Plague Dealing with Biologic Agents

Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which is It is unlikely that brigade members or emergency responders
commonly found on rodents. There are three forms of plague: wou ld even recogn ize that a b io logic weapon had been
bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic. The bacteriu m is most released in their co mmun ities. The t ime period between the
often transmitted to humans by fleas that feed on infected ani- actual infection and the appearance of symptoms is known as
mals and then bite humans. Those who are bitten generally the incubati on peri od. The sympto ms of a bio logic agent
develop bubo n ic p lague, wh ich att acks the ly mph nodes attack would typically manifest over a period of days after the
(Figure 24-19 ). Pneumonic plague can be contracted by exposure. If left untreated, many of these diseases will cause
inhaling the bacteriu m. death in a large p roportion of those infected.
 VOICES OF EXPERIENCE
"I looked around, found my bearings, and walked
through the ankle-deep dust and debris."

A
s I arrived on the scene of New York City World Trade Center
(WTC) attacks in September 2001, I saw that the city was
quiet—eerily quiet. I walked to the command post to report for
duty, and the scene was surreal. I looked
north, south, east, and west, and it was like a scene from a bad Hollywood movie. I
looked around, found my bearings, and walked through the ankle-deep dust and debris.
It covered the streets like snow or ash.
I was sent to the WTC attacks as a member of the then-U.S. Depart ment of Justice,
Office of State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support (OSLDPS), to provid e support
to the New York City Fire Department in any way possible. I reported to the Chief of
Logistics, Chief Charlie Blaich, and worked side by side with him and fire fighter Lee
Morris until the day before Christmas 2001.
What did I see there, and what did I learn?
I had to use every skill that I had ever learned as a fire fighter and EMS officer. I
provided safety support as I had done while a safety officer at the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), where I had been a Disaster Safety Officer for the previous
eight years.
One thing is for certain: When it comes to terrorism, we don't know everything, and we
must be constantly alert. During an event involving terrorism, nothing is as it
seems—nothing. Revert to your training and practice, practice, practice your skills.
Remember that during such an event, other factors may be in play that do not
necessarily equate to why you were brought in the first place. There will be many
unknowns, and your skills—your professionalism, your analytical qualit ies, and your
demeanor—may well be the only thing that makes any sense during the early stages of the
incident.
What you read someplace doesn't matter during such an event; the only thing that
matters is what you can do to help the situation by being an engaged member of the
team. There is no place for lone wolves and no place for grandstanding —it's not the TV
show 24. It's real people needing assistance in making informed decisions, and your task
may be to help them make the right ones, as part of a team. It's up to you tc be well
trained, well informed, and well intentioned, and to be a part of the solution.
Be safe, be proactive, and stay alive.

Michael J. Fagel
University of Chicago—Master of Threat Risk Program
Chicago, Illinois
 Ter r oris m A war e ness 705

Area hospitals and the local public health depart ments

would typically be the first to recognize the situation, after
identifying significant nu mbers of people arriving at their
facilities with similar symptoms. Multip le medical calls with
patients exhib it ing similar sympto ms could provide a clue,
especially if the location is considered to be a potential target.
Once it has been determined that a situat ion is quickly
unfolding, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) would be notified.
Most experts believe that a biologic weapon would proba-
bly be spread by a device similar to a garden sprayer or
crop-dusting plane. After the release of a biologic weapon,
residents would begin experiencing flu-like sympto ms,
although the symptoms may not appear for 2 to 10 days.
Brigade members or emergency responders treating people
who may have been exposed to a biologic agent should follow
the recommendations of their brigades regarding uni versal ( Figure 24-20) The materials needed to build a radiation dispersal device can
precauti ons (protective measures for use in dealing with be obtained from a number of places, including a nuclear power plant.
objects, blood, body fluids, or other potential exposure risks of
commun icable d iseases). These measures include wearing
apropriate gloves, masks, eye protection, and surgical gowns To limit this threat, radioactive materials, even in small
when treating patients. amounts, must be kept secure and protected. Radioactive
Emergency responders who exh ibit flu-like sy mpto ms materials are widely used in industry and health care, partic-
after a potential terrorist incident should seek medical care ularly with x-ray machines. The necessary materials could be
immed iately. It is important that brigade members report any obtained from medical clinics, nuclear power plants, univer-
possible exposure to brigade officials. Postincident act ions s it y research facilit ies , and so me in dust rial co mp lexes
may include med ical screening, testing, or vaccinat ions. (Figure 24-20), These materials are also routinely transported
in a variety of large and s mall containers. Terrorists could
Radiological Ag ents construct a dirty bomb with a small quantity of stolen
Although unlikely, the possibility that terrorists could deto- radioactive material.
nate a nuclear weapon is a threat that cannot be igno red. Security experts are also concerned that a large explosive
Several countries possess nuclear weapons and a number of device, such as a t ruck bo mb , could be detonated near a
others are attempting to develop or acquire them. The only nuclear po wer plant. Such an exp losion could damage the
limit ing factor is the ability to acquire weapons -grade fuel, reactor containment vessel sufficiently to release radioactive
which is needed to cause a nuclear exp losion. So me experts material. A large aircraft also could be used to damage a
fear that t erro rists cou ld obt ain and detonate a sui tcase nuclear reactor much as aircraft were used to destroy the
nuke, a nuclear weapon that is s mall enough to fit into a World Trade Center.
small package.
A mo re p robab le scen ario is th e use o f radi ol ogical Radiation
agents by terrorists. Terrorists could emp loy a variety of Radioactive materials release energy in the form of electro-
alternative approaches to disperse radiolog ical agents and magnetic waves or energy particles. Radiat ion cannot be
contaminate an area with radioactive materials. Th is threat is detected by the normal senses of smell and taste. Several
very d ifferent fro m a nuclear deton ation and much mo re instru ments can detect the presence of radiation and meas ure
likely to occur. dose rates. Brigade members should beco me familiar with
the radiation detectors used by their brigades. There are three
The Di rty B omb types of radiat ion: alpha particles, beta part icles, and gamma
The radi ation dispersal device (RDD) or "dirty bomb" is an rays.
area of serious concern. An RDD is described as "any device Al pha particles quickly lose their energy and can travel
that causes the purposeful dissemination of radioactive mate- on ly 1" to 2" fro m th eir sou rce. Clot h ing o r a sh eet o f
rial across an area without a nuclear detonation." Packing paper can stop this type of energy. However, if ingested or
radioactive material around a conventional explosive device inhaled, alpha part icles can damage a nu mber of internal
could contaminate a wide area. The size of the affected area organs.
would depend on the amount of radioactive material and the Beta particles are mo re po werfu l, capab le of traveling
power of the exp losive device. 10' to 15'. Heavier materials such as metal, plastic, and glass
70S I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

Brigade Member Safety Tips radioactive materials. Decontamination must b complete and
thorough; the situation could escalate rapidly if decontamina-
Casualty Management After Detonation of a Nuclear tion procedures are inadequate. The contamination could
Weapon quickly spread to ambu lances, hospitals, and other locations
• Do not ent er an area wit h possible cont aminat ion until radiation where contaminated ind iv idu als o r items are t ranspo rted .
levels have been meas ured and found to be safe. • Enter the area only to Radioact ive materials expose rescuers to radiation injury
save liv es; radiation lev els w ill be v ery high. • Wear PPE and SC BA. • All as well as cont inue to a ffect the exposed person. Anyone
pers onnel and equipment must be dec ont aminat ed aft er leaving the who co mes in contact with a contamin ated person must be
contaminated area. Because radioactive dust collects on c lot hing, all protected by approp riate PPE and shield ing , depend ing on
clothing should be remov ed and discarded aft er leaving the area. the particu lar contaminant. Rescuers and medical personnel
Failure to do so will result in continued radia tion exposure to yourself
will have to be decontaminated after hand ling a con tami-
and others. • Was h thoroughly w ith lukewarm wat er as s oon as
nated person.
possible after leaving the scene, even if you have been through a
decont amina tion process. • D o not eat, drink, or smoke w hile expos ed A person can be exposed to rad iat ion without co ming
to potential radioac tive dust or smoke. • Use radiation m onitoring into d irect contact with a rad io act ive mat erial th rough
dev ices to m ap t he locat ion of areas with high radioactivity. Monit oring inhalat ion, skin absorption, o r ingestion. A person can also
devic es should be wrapped in plastic bags to prevent contamination. • be in jured by exposure to rad iat ion, without being contam-
Vehicles should be was hed before they leave the sc ene. The only inated by the radioactive material itself. So meone who has
exception is emergency units trans porting crit ical vict ims. • been exposed to rad iat ion , but has not been contaminated
Life-threat ening injuries are more s erious t han radioactiv e by radioact ive materials, requires no special hand ling .
contam ination. Treat suc h injuries bef ore decontam inating the There are th ree ways to limit exposure to rad ioactiv ity.
indiv idual. • Alert loc al hos pit als t hat t hey m ay rec eiv e Keep the t ime of the exposure as short as possible. Stay as
radioact ive-contaminated victims. far away fro m the source of the rad iat ion as possib le, and
use shield ing to limit the amount of rad iat ion absorbed by
the body. Firefight ing PPE and breath ing apparatus will
generally prov ide adequat e sh ield ing against alpha part i-
cles; breath ing apparatus is needed to provide p rotection
against beta radiation. Heavy shield ing is needed to provide
protection fro m sources emitt ing gamma rad iat ion.
If rad ioactive contaminat ion is suspected, everyone who
enters th e area shou ld b e equ ipp ed with a personal dosi -
meter t o meas u re th e amo u nt o f rad io act iv e exp o su re
can stop this type of energy. Beta radiat ion can be harmful to (Figure 24-21 ). Rescue attempts should be made as quickly as
both the skin and eyes, and ingest ion o r inhalat ion will possible to reduce exposure t ime.
damage internal organs.
Gamma rays can travel significant distances, penetrate
most materials, and pass through the body. Gamma rad ia tion
Operations
is the most destructive to the hu man body. The only materials Respond ing to a terro rist incident pu ts brigad e members
with sufficient mass to stop gamma rad iation are concrete, and other emergency personnel at ris k. Responders must
earth, and dense metals such as lead. ensure their own safety at every incident; however, a terror ist
incident has an ext ra d imension o f risk. Because the
Effects of Radiation terrorist's objective is to cause as much harm as possible,
Sy mptoms of low-level rad ioactive exposure might include emergency responders are just as likely to be targets as ordi-
nausea and vo mit ing. Exposure to high levels o f rad iat ion nary civilians.
can cause bone marrow destruct ion, nerve and d igestive In many cases, the first units to respond will not be dis -
system damage, and radioactive skin bu rns. An ext reme patched for a known WMD o r terrorist incident. The in itial
exposure may cause death rapidly; however, it often takes a dispatch might be fo r an exp losion, fo r a possible hazardous
considerable amount o f t ime befo re the signs and sy mptoms materials incident, for a single person with difficu lty breath -
of radiat ion poisoning beco me obvious. As the effects ing, or fo r mu ltip le sick pat ients with similar sympto ms.
progress over the years, a pro longed death due to leukemia or Emergency responders will usually not kno w that a terrorist
carcino ma is likely. incident has occurred until personnel on the scene begin to
A contaminated person will have radioactive materials on piece together info rmat ion gained by their own observations
the exposed skin and clothing. In severe cases, the contami- and fro m witnesses.
nation could penetrate to the internal organs of the body If app rop riate precaut ions are not taken, the in it ial
Decon tamin at ion p ro cedu res are requ ired to remove t he responders may find themselv es in the midd le
of a
 Ter r oris m A war e ness 707

Fir e M ark s
j. *—^_>
In 1993, the first units to res pond to t he W orld Trade C enter thought a
transf orm er explosion had occ urred s om ewhere beneat h the huge
complex. As res ponders explored t he sm oke -f illed interior, they realized
that a large explosion had occ urred in the underground park ing area. As
they ass em bled the inf or mation, they determined that terrorists had
detonated a truck bomb, c aus ing trem endous dest ruct ion and filling t he
twin tow ers with sm oke.
At the same location in 2001, many of the first responders saw a plane
crash into one of the towers and believed that they were responding to a
terrible accident. They only realized the true nature of the sit uation when a
second plane crashed into the other tower.

Incident Co mmand should be established in a safe loca-

tion, which could be as far as 3,000' fro m the actual incident
scene. The co mmand post must be outside the area of pos -
sible contaminat ion and beyond the distance where a sec-
ondary device may be planted. The in itial priority should be
(Figure 24-21 ) A pers onal dosimeter measures the amount of radioactive to determine the nature of the situation, the types of hazards
exposure received by an individual. that could be encountered, and the magn itude of the p rob -
lems that will have to be faced .
dangerous situation before they realize what has happened. An in it ial recon naissance o r "recon" team shou ld be
Init ial responders should be aware of any factors that sug gest sent out to quickly examine the involved area and to deter -
the possibility of a terrorist incident and immediately mine how many people are involved. Proper use of PPE.
imp lement appropriate procedures. The possibility of a ter- including SCBA , is essential for the recon t eam, and the
ro rist in cident shou ld be consid ered when respond ing to in itial survey must be conducted very caut iously, although
any location that has been identified as a potential terrorist as rapid ly as possible. The possib ility that chemical, b io -
target . It cou ld be d ifficu lt to determine the t rue natu re of log ic, o r rad io log ical agents are invo lved cannot be ru led
the situation until a scene size -up is conducted. out unt il qualified personnel with instru ments and detec t ion
dev ices hav e surv eyed t he area. Respond ers shou ld t ake
Initial Action s special care not to tou ch any liqu ids o r solids or to walk
Responders should approach a known o r potential terrorist through pools o f liquid . Emergency responders who beco me
incident just as they would a hazardous materials incident. contaminat ed must no t leave the area unt il th ey hav e b een
The p ossib ility that ch emical, b io log ic, o r rad io log ical decontaminated .
agents are involved cannot be ruled out until a hazardous A process of eliminat ion may be requ ired to determine
materials team checks the area with detection and monitoring t he n at u re o f t he s it uat io n . Occu pan ts an d wit nesses
instru ments. Apparatus and personnel should, if possible, should be asked if they observed any unusual packages or
approach the scene fro m a posit ion that is uph ill and detected any strange odors, mists, or sprays. A large nu m ber
upwind. Emergency responders should don PPE, includ ing of casualt ies, who have no out ward signs o f trau ma, cou ld
SCBA. Additional arriving units should be staged an appro - indicate a possible chemical agent exposure. Possible
priate distance away fro m the incident. sympto ms includ e t roub le breath ing , skin irritat ions, or
The first units to arrive should establish an outer perime ter seizures.
to cont rol access to and fro m the scene. They should deny A visible vapor cloud would also be a strong indicator of a
access to all but emergen cy responders, and th ey should chemical release, wh ich could be an accident or a terror ist
prevent potentially contaminated ind iv iduals fro m leaving attack. Responders shou ld loo k out fo r dead or dy ing
the area before they have been decontaminated. The animals, insects, or p lant life as indicat ions of a chemical
perimeter must co mp letely surround the affected area, to agent release.
keep people who were not init ially involved fro m becoming When approaching the scene of an exp losion, responders
additional v ictims . should consider the possibility of a terrorist bombing incident
708 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S AND P R A C T I C E

Teamwork Tips
A hazardous materials team should respond to any potential or
suspected terrorist incident. The hazardous materials pers onnel
should test for chemic al, biologic, or radiologic al contaminants
using appropriate test instrum ents.

and recall the potential fo r secondary exp losive dev ices.

Responders should note any suspicious packages and notify
the IC. Brigade members who have not been specially trained
should never approach a suspicious object. Exp losive ord -
nance disposal personnel should examine any suspicious
articles and disable them.
( Figure 24-22) An EOC is set up in a predetermined location for large-scale
Interagency Coordination incidents.
If a terrorist incident is suspected, the IC should consult
immediately with local law enforcement officials. If a mass
casualty situation is evident, the IC should notify area hos - An Emergency Operations Center (EOC) can coordinate
pitals and activate the local medical response system. Local the actions of all involved agencies in a large-scale incident,
technical rescue t eams should be requested to evaluate particularly if terroris m is involved. The EOC is usually set up
structural damage and in it iate rescue operat ions. in a predetermined remote location and is staffed by experi-
State emergency management officials should be notified enced command and staff personnel (Fig ure 24-22 ). The IC,
as soon as possible. Th is will help ensure a qu ick response by who is at th e scen e o f th e in cident , shou ld p rov ide detailed
both state and federal resources to a majo r incident. situation reports to the EOC and request additional resources
Large-scale search -and-rescue incidents could requ ire the as needed.
response of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) task forces Brigade members must remember that a terro rist incident
through the Fed eral Emergen cy Management Agen cy is also a crime scene. To avoid destroying impo rtant
(FEMA). Medical response teams, such as Disaster Medical evidence that could lead to a convict ion o f those responsi-
Assistance Teams (DMAT) may be needed for incidents ble, responders should not disturb the scene any mo re than is
involv ing large nu mbers of people. necessary. Where possible, law en forcement personnel
should b e consu lt ed p rio r to overh au l and b efo re any
Brigade Member Tips mat erial is removed fro m th e scen e. Brig ade members
should also realize that on e or mo re terro rists cou ld be
Additional Resources for Terrorist Incidents among the in ju red . Be alert fo r threaten ing behav io r, and
Resources Action be aware o f anyone who seems det ermined to leav e the
scene.
Air Ev ac uat ion Air trans portat ion of injured Air
Supply U nit Refill SC BA cylinders Bom b Squad Decontamination
Render ex plosiv e dev ic es s afe Em ergency M edic al Servic es Everyone who is exposed to chemical, b iologic, or rad iolog -
ical agents must be decontaminated to remove or neutralize
Emergency medical care
Hazardous Mate rials Unit Neutraliz e haz ardous substances, any chemicals o r substances on bodies or clothing. Decon -
including chemical agents t amin at io n sho u ld occu r as soo n as p oss ib le t o p rev ent
Healt h D epart m ent Technic al advic e on c hemical and
biologic agents
Loc al Law Enforcem ent Law enforc em ent, perimet er control, Brigade Member Tips
and evidence recov ery
Structural C oll apse T eams Search and stabilize collapsed Emergency responders at a terrorist event may later be called to testify
in court. Mak e m ental notes if y ou must disturb or mov e any ev idence to
structures
rescue someone in im mediat e danger. Document this information as
soon as possible.
 Ter r oris m A war e ness 709

( Figure 24-23 ) Mass decontamination procedures may be required to ( Figure 24 -24) All emergency responders and victims who have been
handle a large group of contaminated victims. exposed to chemical, radiological, or biologic agents must be decontaminated.

further absorption o f a contaminant and to reduce the pos - this type of situation, which would quickly overwhelm the nor-
sibility of spreading the contamination. Equip ment will also mal capabilities of most emergency response systems: Mass
have to be decontaminated before it leaves the scene. casualty plans usually involve resources from multiple agencies
The perimeter must fu lly surround the area of known o r to handle large numbers of patients efficiently.
suspected contaminat ion. Every effo rt must be made to A terrorist incident could involve several additional co m-
avoid contaminating any add itional areas, part icu larly hos - plications and considerat ions, including the possibility of
pitals and medical facilities. Qualified personnel must mon - contamination by chemical, bio logic, or rad iological agents.
itor the perimeter with instru ments or detection devices to The mass casualty p lan must be expanded to add ress these
ensure that contaminants are not spread. problems.
Standard decontaminat ion procedures usually involve a If contamination is suspected, the plan must ensure that
series of stations. At each station, clothing and protective it does not spread b eyond a defin ed p erimeter. In so me
equipment are removed and the individual is cleaned. So me cases, patients may be decontaminated as they are moved to
contaminants require only soap and water, but chemical and the triage and treatment areas (Figure 24-25). This will keep
bio logic agents may require special neut ralizing solut ions. these areas free o f con taminants . In oth er cases, the
A terrorist incident that results in a large number of casu -
alt ies may requ ire a d ifferent decont amin at ion p rocess.
Special p rocedures for mass decontami nati on have been
devised for incidents involv ing large nu mbers of peop le.
These procedures use master stream devices fro m eng ine
companies and aerial apparatus to create high-volu me,
low-pressure showers. This allows large nu mbers of people to
be decontaminated rapidly ( Figure 24-23 ).
Emergency responders who enter a contaminated area
mu s t b e d econ tamin at ed b efo re th ey can leav e t he area
(Figure 24-24). Contaminated cloth ing and equip ment mu st
remain ins ide th e perimet er. Dep end ing on th e involved
agent, it may be necessary to maintain this perime ter fo r an
extended period , until th e ent ire incident scene can be
decontaminated . It cou ld t ake weeks o r months to fu lly
decontaminate so me incident scenes.

Mass Casualties
A terrorist or WMD incident may result in a large number of
casualties. Some scenarios could involve hundreds or thousands (Figure 24-25) Patients should be dec ontam inated bef ore they are
of injuries. Special mass casualty plans are essential to manage placed in triage and treatment areas.
710 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S A N D P R A C T I C E

triage and treat ment areas may be considered contaminated • Keep reco mmended immunizat ions up to date.
zones. Pat ients would be decontaminated befo re they are • Know how to turn off power, gas, and water service to
transported fro m the scene. homes or businesses. Keep tools availab le to do so.
During the early stages of an incident, it may be difficult • Know what hazardous materials are stored on the
to determine what agent was used so that appropriate t reat- property and how to p roperly d ispose of unneeded
ment and decontaminat ion procedu res can be instituted . It chemicals.
may be necessary to quarant ine exposed indiv iduals within • Support the efforts of local emergency responders
an area that is assumed to be contaminated until laboratory (brigade members, law enforcement officers, and EMS
test results are evaluated. The strategic plan for this situation personnel).
must assume that any personnel who prov ide assistance or • Know the natu ral hazards that are prevalent in your
treat ment to patients during this period will also become area and what measures can be taken to mit igate these
contaminated, as will any equip ment or vehicles used in the hazards.
contaminated area. • Maintain a first-aid kit.

Additional Resources Guarded Condition (Blue)

A terro rist incident will likely result in a massive response This condition is declared when there is a general risk of ter -
by local, state, and federal govern ment agencies. Fo llowing rorist attacks. In add ition to taking the protective measures
the terrorist attacks o f September 11, 2001, HSPDs have listed under the previous Threat Condit ion, agencies should
made both cris is and consequence management a shared consider the fo llo wing g eneral measures as well as the
responsibility. agency-specific protective measures:
Funding for programs to train and equ ip local emergency 1. Check co mmun ications with designated emergency
responders has increased significantly since September 11, response or command locations.
2001. A Cab inet-level Depart ment of Ho meland Security has 2. Rev iew and update emergency response procedures.
been established in the United States to p rovide a un ify ing 3. Prov ide the public with any in formation that wou ld
core for the large network of o rganizations and institutions strengthen its ability to act appropriately.
that h ave a respons ib ility to help keep ou r n at ion secu re. Advise the public to:
The Homeland Security Advisory System is designed to • Continue normal act ivit ies, but be watchful for suspi
provide quick, co mp rehensive informat ion concern ing the cious activities. Report criminal act ivity to local law
potential threat of terrorist attacks or threat levels. Threat enforcement.
conditions can apply nationally, regionally by industry, or by • Review family emergency plans, includ ing family
sp ecific t arget . Yo u shou ld be aware o f th e cu rrent meeting locat ions and distant points of contact in the
Ho meland Security Threat Level at all times when on duty. event of an attack.
Imp lement listed protective measures as directed in your • Be familiar with the local natural and technological
brigade and reco mmended listed act ions to the public. (man-made) h azards in you r co mmun ity and know
what measures can be taken to mit igate these hazards.
Low Condition (Green) • Maintain a first-aid kit.
This condition is declared when there is a lo w risk of terror ist • Increase indiv idual or family emergency preparedness
attacks. Agencies should consider the following general through train ing, maintain ing good physical fitness
measures in addition to any agency-specific protective meas- and health , and storing a th ree-day supply o f food,
ures they develop and imp lement : water, and emergency supplies, such as med icat ions.
1. Refine and exercise p re-p lanned protect ive measures. • Monitor local and nat ional news for terrorist alerts.
2. Ensure that personnel receive proper train ing on
the Ho meland Secu rity Advisory System and on Elevated Condition (Yellow)
specific p re -p lanned d epart mental o r agen cy An Elevated Condition Threat Alert is declared when there is a
protective measures. significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to the protective
3. Institute a process to ensure that all facilities and reg measures listed under the previous threat conditions, agencies
ulated sectors are regularly assessed for vulnerab ility should consider the following general measures as well as the
to terrorist attacks, and that all reasonable measures protective measures that they will develop and imp lement :
are taken to mit igate these vulnerab ilit ies. 1. Increase surveillance of critical locat ions.
Advise the public to: 2. Coordinate emergency plans as appropriate with
• Develop a family emergency plan, including family nearby jurisdictions.
meet ing locat ions in the event of an attack, and a 3. Address whether the precise characteristics of the
contact point, such as the ho me of a relative in a d istant threat requ ire the further refinement o f pre-p lanned
state. protective measures.
 Te rr oris m A wa re ne ss 711

4. Imp lement , as app ropriate, cont ingency and emer- • Inventory and organize emergency supply kits (a three-
gency response plans. Advise the public to: day food and water supply) and d iscuss emergency
• Continue no rmal activ it ies, but repo rt suspicious plans with family members. Re -evaluate the meet ing
activit ies to local law enforcement agencies. location based on any specific threat, and ensure that a
• Beco me trained/certified in first aid o r emergency mechan ism to get to the location exists. Identify a
response protocol. Advise the public of local t rain ing distant point of contact for your family . Ensure that
programs. supplies for sheltering in p lace are maintained.
• Maintain a first-aid kit. Maintain a first-aid kit.
• Beco me act ive in your local Neighborhood Crime • Consider taking reasonable personal security precau
Watch program. Report suspicious activities to local tions. Be alert to you r surroundings, avo id p lacing
law enforcement. yourself in a vulnerab le situat ion, and mon itor the
• Netwo rk with your family, neighbors, and co mmun ity activit ies of your child ren.
for mutual support during a disaster o r terrorist • Maintain close contact with your family and neighbors
attack. Update p reviously established family emer to ensure their safety and emot ional welfare.
gency plans, includ ing a d istant point o f contact.
Update p reparations to shelter in p lace, such as Severe Condition (Red)
preparing o f materials to seal open ings to your ho me Declaring a Severe Condit ion reflects a severe risk of ter-
and shut down HVA C systems. rorist attacks. Under most circu mstances, the p rotect ive
• Know the critical facilit ies and specific hazards located measures for a Severe Cond it ion are not intended to be
in you r co mmun ity, and report suspicious act iv ities at sustained for extend ed p eriods o f t ime. In add it ion to the
or near these sites. p ro tect iv e measu res list ed und er t he p rev ious Th reat
• Increase indiv idual or family emergency preparedness Cond it ions , ag encies shou ld cons ider th e fo llo wing g en -
through train ing, maintain ing good physical fitness eral measures as well as the agency -specific p rotect ive
and health , and storing a th ree -day supply o f food, measures:
water, and emergency supplies, such as med icat ions. 1. Increase or redirect personnel to address critical emer
• Monitor med ia reports concerning terroris m situations. gency needs.
2. Assign emergency response personnel and pre-position
High Condition (Orange) and mob ilize specially trained teams or resources.
A High Condit ion Threat Alert is declared when there is a 3. Monitor, red irect, o r constrain transportation systems.
high risk of terrorist attacks. In addit ion to the protective 4. Close public and government facilit ies.
measures listed under the previous Threat Conditions, agen - Advise the public to:
cies should consider the follo wing general measures as well • Report suspicious activities and call 9-1-1 for immed i
as agency-specific p rotective measures: ate response.
1. Coordinate necessary security efforts with federal, • Expect delays, searches of purses and bags, and
state, and local law en forcement agencies or any restricted access to public bu ildings.
Nat ional Guard or other app ropriate armed forces • Expect traffic delays and restrictions.
organizations. • Take personal security p recautions (such as avoid ing
2. Take addit ional precaut ions at public events and con target facilit ies) to avoid becoming a v ictim of a crime
sider alternat ive venues or even cancellat ion. or a terro rist attack.
3. Prepare to execute contingency procedu res, such as • Avoid cro wded public areas and gatherings.
mov ing to an alternate site or d ispersing a wo rk force. • Do not travel into areas affected by an attack.
4. Restrict threatened facility access to essential person • Keep emergency supplies accessible and your
nel only. automobile's fuel tank fu ll.
Advise the public to: • Maintain a first-aid kit.
• Expect some delays, baggage searches, and restrictions • Be prepared to evacuate your ho me o r to shelter in
as a resu lt o f heightened security at pub lic bu ild ings place on the order of local authorit ies. Have supplies
and facilit ies. on hand fo r th is purpose, includ ing a three-day sup
• Continue to mon itor world and local events as well as ply of water, food, and medicat ion, and an identified
local govern ment threat advisories. distant point of contact.
• Report suspicious activities at or near critical facilities • Be suspicious of persons taking photographs of crit ical
to local law en forcement agencies by calling 9-1-1. facilit ies, asking detailed questions about physical
• Avoid leaving unattended packages or briefcases in security, o r who are dressed inappropriately for
public areas. weather cond it ions (suicide bo mbers). Report these
incidents immediately to law enfo rcement.
712 I N D U S T R I A L F I R E B R I G A D E : P R I N C I P L E S AND P R A C T I C E

• Closely monitor news reports and Emergency Alert for the creation of a task force that will work aggres-
System radio/TV stations. sively to prevent aliens who engage in or support
• Assist neighbors who may need help. terrorist activity fro m entering the Un ited States and to
• Avoid passing unsubstantiated in formation. detain , p rosecute, o r depo rt any such aliens who are
within the Un ited States.
Source: Ho meland Secu rity Presid ential Direct ive #3, • HSPD-3 : Homel and Security Advisory S ystem:
Washington, DC; March 12, 2002; and Ho meland Security Establishes a comprehensive and effect ive means to
Advisory System Recommendations for Individuals, Families, disseminate information regarding the risk of terro rist
Neighborhoods, Schools, and Businesses, The American Red acts to federal, state, and local autho rit ies and to the
Cross, www.redcross.org, March 2003. American people.
• HSPD-4 : National Strateg y to Combat Weapons of
Several Internet resources provide additional information. Mass Destruction: Applies new technologies ,
The U.S. A rmy Med ical Research Institute of Chemical increases emphasis on intelligence co llection and
Defense (http://chemdef.apgea.army.mil/ ). the U.S. Army analysis, strengthens alliance relationships, and estab
Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (http://www. lishes new partnerships with fo rmer adversaries to
usamriid. army, mil/). and the Nat ional Ho meland Security counter th is threat in all o f its d imensions.
Knowledgebase (http ://www. twotigersonline. com/resources. • HSPD-5 : Management of Domestic Inci dents:
html) provide useful in format ion and training materials. Enhances the ability of the Un ited States to manage
domestic incidents by establishing a single, co mpre
Homeland Security Presidential Directives •
hensive national incident management system.
HSPD-6 : Integrati on and Use of Screening
HSPDs are issued by the president on matters pertaining to Informati on: Prov ides for the establish ment of the
homeland security. Terrorist Threat Integration Center.
• HSPD-1 : Org anizati on and Operati on of the • HSPD-7: Critical Infrastructure Identi ficati on,
Homeland Securi ty Council: Ensures coord ination o f Prioritizati on, and Protection: Establishes a national
all ho meland security-related act ivit ies among execu policy for federal depart ments and agencies to identify
tive brigades and agencies and pro motes the effect ive and prio ritize U.S. crit ical infrastructure and key
develop ment and imp lementat ion o f all ho meland resources and to p rotect them fro m terrorist attacks.
security policies. • HSPD-8: Nati onal Preparedness: Identifies steps for
• HSPD-2: Combating Terrorism Through improved coord ination in response to incidents. This
Immigrati on Policies in the United States: Prov ides direct ive describes the way federal depart ments and
 Te rr oris m A w ar e nes s 71 3

agencies will p repare for such a response, including and co mprehensive app roach to terrorist-related
prevention activities during the early stages of a terror- screening that supports homeland security, at ho me
ism incident. This directive is a co mpanion to HSPD -5. and abroad. Th is d irect ive bu ilds upon HSPD-6.
• HSPD-9 : Defense of United States Agriculture and • HSPD-12: Policy for a Common Identificati on
Food: Estab lishes a nat ional po licy to defend the Standard for Federal Empl oyees and Contractors:
agricu lture and food system against terrorist attacks, Establishes a mandatory, govern ment-wide standard
majo r d isasters, and other emergencies. for secure and reliab le forms of ident ificat ion issued
• HSPD-10: Bi odefense for the 21st Century: by the federal govern ment to its emp loyees and con
Provides a co mprehensive framework for our nation's tractors (including contracto r emp loyees).
biodefense. • HSPD-13: Mariti me Security Policy: Establishes
• HSPD-11: Comprehensive Terrorist-Related policy guidelines to enhance national and ho meland
Screening Procedures: Imp lements a coordinated security by protect ing U.S. marit ime interests.
• Potential terroris m targets inc lude A gr oter r oris m T he us e of a biologic al, c hem ic al, radiologic al, or
- Ecot erroris m other agent against eit her the preharvest or postharv est stages of food
- Infrastruct ure and fiber production to ins pire fear or c aus e ec onomic dam age, public
- Sy mbolic health im pact, or other adv erse im pact against t he U nit ed St at es.
- Civilian Biologic al agents can impact anim al or plant healt h or lead to hum an
dis eas e if t hey are zoonotic (i.e., dis eas es t hat are naturally
- Cyberterroris m
trans mitt ed betw een v ert ebrate anim als and m an wit h or w ithout an
- Agrot erroris m art hropod interm ediary).
• Terrorists us e several diff erent kinds of w eapons including explo Al p ha part icles A t y pe of radiat ion t hat quick ly los es energy and
siv es, c hemic al agents, biologic agents, and radiological agents. can travel only 1" to 2" from it s s ourc e. Clot hing or a s heet of paper
can stop this type of energy.
• The possibility of sec ondary devic es must be considered at all
terrorist incidents. ANF O An ex plos iv e m at erial c ont aining amm onium nitrat e f ert il iz er
and f uel oil.
• Brigade mem bers s hould bec ome f am iliar with potential terrorist Anth rax An inf ect ious dis eas e s pread by t he bac t eria Bac illus
targets in t heir res pons e area. ant hrac is; ty pic ally f ound around f arm s, inf ecting liv est ock.
• Most c hemical agents produc e sy mpt oms alm ost im m ediat ely Beta pa rticles A ty pe of radiat ion t hat is c apable of t rav eling 10' to
upon ex pos ure. 15'. H eavier m aterials s uc h as met al, plastic, and glass c an stop t his
type of energy.
• Biologic al agents usually produce f lu -lik e sym pt oms follow ing
an inc ubation period of 2 t o 10 days. Bi olo gic a ge nts D is eas e-c ausing bact eria, virus es, and ot her
agents that att ack the hum an body.
• When the presenc e of radioactiv e m aterial is s us pect ed, brigade Blist ering age nts C hem ic als t hat c aus e t he sk in t o blist er.
mem bers s hould limit t heir ex pos ure tim e.
Chl ori ne A y ellowis h gas t hat is about 2. 5 tim es heav ier t han air and
• Brigade m em bers should establish a staging area a safe dist anc e slightly w at er-s oluble. It has m any industrial us es but als o dam ages
from t he sc ene of a t errorist incident and f ollow t he direction of the lungs when inhaled (a chok ing agent ).
the IC. C hok in g a ge nt A c hem ic al des igned t o inhibit breat hing and
• PPE will prov ide t he brigade mem ber wit h limit ed prot ection typic ally int ended t o inc a pacit at e rat her than k ill.
from m ost agents us ed by terrorists. Cy anide A highly t oxic c hem ic al agent t hat att acks t he
circ ulat ory syst em.
• Be aware of the homeland security threat lev el at all tim es.
C y bert erroris m T he int ent ional act of elect ronic ally att ac king
• Hom eland Sec urity Presidential Directives are issued by the gov ernm ent or priv ate c om put er syst ems.
pres ident on m atters pertaining t o hom eland security. D ec ont am inat ion T he phy sic al or c hemic al proc es s of rem ov ing
any form of contam inant from a pers on, an object, or the environment.
Ecoter ro ris m T erroris m direct ed against c aus es t hat Plague An inf ectious dis eas e c aus ed by the bact erium
radical environm entalists t hink w ould dam age the eart h or its Yers inia pestis; com monly found on rodents.
creatures. Radiation dis persal device (RDD) An y de vice that
F or wa rd sta gi n g are a A s t rat egic ally plac ed area, clos e caus es t he purpos eful diss eminat ion of radioactiv e m at erial
to the incident site, w here pers onnel and equipm ent can be held wit hout a nuclear det onation; a dirty bom b.
in readiness f or rapid res pons e to an em ergency ev ent. Ra di ol o gica l a ge nts M at erials t hat em it radioact iv it y.
Ga m ma rays A ty pe of radiat ion t hat c an trav el s ignif ic ant Sarin A nerv e agent t hat is prim arily a v apor haz ard.
dist anc es, penetrating most mat erials and passing through t he
Sec o nd ary devi ce An ex plosiv e dev ic e des igned t o injure
body. Gam ma radiat ion is t he m ost destructiv e t o the hum an
em ergency res ponders w ho hav e res ponded t o an initial event.
body.
S mall pox A highly inf ect ious dis eas e c aus ed by t he v irus
Improvised explosive de vice (IED) An e xplosive or
variola.
inc endiary devic e that is fabricat ed in an im provis ed m anner.
So man A nerv e gas t hat is bot h a c ont act and a v apor hazard
In c ub ati o n p er io d T im e period b et w een t he init ial
that has t he odor of c am phor.
infection by an organis m and the dev elopm ent of sy mpt oms.
Suitcase n uke A nuclear ex plosiv e dev ic e t hat is s m all
Le wisite Blist er-f orm ing agent t hat is an oily, enough t o f it in a suitc as e.
c olorless -t o-dark brow n liquid wit h an odor of geraniums.
Sulf ur musta rd A c lear, y ellow, or am ber oi ly liquid w it h a
Mark 1 Ner ve Age nt Antidote Kit A mili tary ki t
faint sw eet odor of m ust ard or garlic t hat m ay be dis persed in
containing antidotes t hat can be administ ered t o victims of a
an aeros ol f orm. It c aus es blist ering of ex pos ed sk in.
nerv e agent attack.
Tabu n A nerv e gas t hat is bot h a c ont act and a v apor haz ard
M as s d ec o n ta mi n at i o n S pec ial pr oc e dur es f or inc i dent s
that operates by disabling t he c hemic al connection betw een
that inv olve large numbers of people. M ast er stream devic es
nerve and target organs.
from engine c om panies and aerial apparat us provide
high-v olum e, low-press ure s how ers so t hat large numbers of Triage T he proc ess of s ort ing vict ims bas ed on t he s ev erity of
people c an be dec ont am inat ed rapidly. injury and medical needs to est ablish treat ment and trans -
port ation priorit ies.
Nerve a gents T oxic s ubst anc es t hat att ac k t he c ent ral
nerv ous syst em in hum ans. U ni ve rsa l pr eca ut i o ns Proc ed ures f or inf ect ion c ont rol
that treat blood and c ert ain bodily fluids as cap able of trans -
Pers o nal d osi mete rs D ev ic es t hat m eas ure t he am ount of
mitting bloodbom e dis eas es.
radioactiv e ex pos ure t o an indiv idual.
V-agent A nerv e agent, principally a c ont act haz ard; an oily
Phos gene A c hemic al agent t hat c aus es s ev ere pulmonary
liquid that can persist for sev eral week s. Weapons of mass
dam age. A by -product of inc om plet e c om bustion.
destr uction (WMD) A weapon intended to c aus e m ass
Pipe bo mb A dev ic e c reat ed by f illing a s ection of pipe
cas ualties, dam age, and c haos.
with an ex plosiv e mat erial.
 Your
chemical
plant security department has noticed a suspicious vehicle driving around
the perimeter of the plant. Before members of the department can contact
local law enforcement to report the situation, the vehicle accelerates
suddenly and crashes through the fence line near an incoming pipeline
manifold. It comes to rest against a natural gas pipeline. The driver jumps
from the vehicle and runs into the plant. Your fire brigade is immediately
dispatched to the scene of the incident.

1. What should be t he first action of t he arriv ing brigade m em bers ?

A. Send a rec onnaiss anc e team in to ev aluat e the s ituation.
B. Est ablis h a s ec urity perim eter and k eep all unneeded pers onnel clear of the perim et er.
C. Imm ediat ely st art f low ing w at er on t he m anif old.
D. Aw ait local law enf orc ement.
2. Sev eral brigade m em bers w orking in c los e prox im ity t o t he vehicle begin t o c om plain of a burning s ens ation on
ex pos ed skin areas. W hat s hould be t he first act ion t ak en as the pers onnel leave t he s ec ured perimet er area?
A. Imm ediat ely dec ont aminate all expos ed pers onnel.
B. Hav e loc al law enforc em ent int erv iew t he pers onnel.
C. Send t he pers onnel t o t he plant m edic al fac ilit y.
D. Hav e the pers onnel brief the next entry team.
3. W hat resourc e provides technical adv ic e on c hem ic al and biologic agents?
A. Em ergency medic al servic es
B. Bom b squad
C. Health departm ent
D. Local law enf orc em ent

4. What res ourc e provides neut raliz ation of haz ardous s ubstanc es, including c hemical agents ?
A. Em ergency medic al servic es
B. Haz ardous m aterials unit
C. Bom b squad
D. Struct ural c ollapse t eams