Section 11. Terrorism. Weapons of Mass Destruction

Transcription

1 Section 11 Terrorism Weapons of Mass Destruction

2 Terrorism Terrorism is the unlawful use of force against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof in the furtherance of a political or social objective. This may be done through the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (NBC Weapons).

3 Types of Weapons of Mass Destruction Mass destruction agents were originally referred to as BNICE B- Biological N-Nuclear I-Incendiary C-Chemical E-Explosive

4 Types of Weapons of Mass Destruction Mass destruction agents were originally referred to as CBERN C-Chemical B- Biological E-Explosive R-Radiological N-Nuclear Incendiary and explosives were combined and radiological was added

5 Types of Weapons of Mass Destruction CBERN devices may be used for the following reasons: They are easy to cultivate biological and chemical agents They are readily available They are cheap Small quantities can kill Chemical and biological agents are hard to detect They can be spread by air They require decontamination They have huge psychological impacts

6 Limitations of CBERN Weapons Large quantities are needed There is a delayed effect with biological agents which can detract from the desired impact Potentially hazardous to the terrorist

7 Potential Outcomes of Terrorist Events include: Mass casualties Overwhelmed emergency response systems Disruption of normal city routine Shutdown of facilities from contamination Panic and confusion Loss of faith in emergency response systems Loss of faith in government

8 The Fallacies of Terrorism It can t happen to us in Memphis NBC agents are so deadly that all the victims will die anyway There is nothing we can do

9 Biological Agents Most agents are produced in nature There is a delayed affect once the agent is released Biological Agent Facts: Relatively easy to produce Do not penetrate unbroken skin Can be spread by aerosols

10 Biological Agents Symptoms of exposure include Raging fever Flu-likes symptoms Nervous symptom impairment Rash with fever Type of Agent Bacteria Anthrax, Plague, Tularemi Viruses Smallpox, Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola), Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis (VEE) Toxins Botulism, Ricin

11 Chemical Terrorism Symptoms from chemical exposure happen immediately Exposure requires decontamination First responders to victims must wear personal protective equipment when caring for contaminated victims

12 Chemical Terrorism Symptoms Immediate effects Burns to the skin, mucous membranes, respiratory passages Breathing Problems Nerve Impairment Death Late Effects Cancer Birth defects

13 Chemical Terrorism Type agent Nerve - Sarin, Tubin, VX Blister (vesicant) - Mustard, Lewisite Blood - Cyanide Choking - Chlorine, Phosgene Lacrimators - Tear Gas, Pepper Spray, Mace

14 Radiological Attack Radioactive materials added to bomb material to cause radiation sickness and potential death These bombs are not nuclear in nature, but spread radiation materials (dirty bomb) Damage from dirty bombs can occur from the blast itself, fires, and flash burns during the explosion, shock waves, or falling buildings or debris

15 Nuclear Agents Nuclear Plant Misuse of sealed sources

16 Nuclear/Radiological Materials used in dirty bombs Medical supplies Radium, Cesium Isotopes Weapons grade Plutonium, Uranium Symptoms of exposure Fatigue Nausea Vomiting, diarrhea Confusion Drowsiness

17 Indicators of an NBC Attack Not all incidents may be reported as a nuclear, biological or chemical event Hospital personnel must be alert to clues that may indicate NBC exposure Be alert for the following: Groups of individuals becoming ill around the same time Sudden increase of illness in previously healthy individuals

18 Indicators of an NBC Attack Sudden increase in the following non-specific illnesses: Pneumonia, flu-like illness, or fever with odd illness Bleeding disorders (nose and gum bleeding, bruising) Unexplained rashes and mucous or skin irritation Neuromuscular illness Hair loss Low red and white blood cell count

19 Indicators of an NBC Attack Simultaneous disease outbreak in human and animal populations Illness in patients who attend the same public event, live in the same part of town etc.

20 Indicators of an NBC Attack Victims may report the following scene clues people running form the area people collapsed in the area evidence of a leak sudden release of vapors sudden unusual odors / colors loud roar or high pitch of a valve Victims may be covered in a liquid or powder have a strange odor have symptoms listed earlier

21 Hospital Response to a Terrorist Threat If a chemical, biological or nuclear event occurs in Memphis or surrounding areas the following actions will be taken: Dr. Arms will be announced overhead Complete Lockdown will be announced. No one will be allowed in or out until directed by Security The area around the hospital will also be blocked off to limit traffic The Decontamination Team will assemble and set up for victim arrival

22 Hospital Response to a Terrorist Threat Decontamination will be initiated before any victims can be treated The facility will remain locked down until the scene of the incident is clear of any victims and all victims at the hospital have been decontaminated and treatment started