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"Terrorism: Biological Weapons" provides response guidelines for suspected biological terrorism incidents. It is designed for emergency response and medical emergency management personnel who may be called upon to respond to an act of terrorism. This timely video examines possible targets as well as likely terrorist devices. It covers hazmat response protocols, site management and control, protective clothing, incident management, and specialized equipment and supplies.
The program focuses on three different scenarios:
(1) Intelligence agencies uncover the probability of a known threat and responders are called out to support the operations of the agencies;
(2) A device is actually discovered, either prior to or following a release; and
(3) an attack goes unrecognized until a number of victims develop symptoms.
Four major categories of biological agents are examined - viruses, bacteria, toxins and rickettsia. The video tells how various agents are delivered and explains the significance of the incubation period and determining the dispersal site. Responders learn how to gather data in order to identify the agent involved.
The importance of pre-incident planning is stressed, including profiling potential targets and tracking the availability of antidotes. Information centers and hotlines that are available to emergency responders are listed. Dealing with the public in a way that will alleviate panic is covered as well.
"Terrorism: Biological Weapons" was filmed on location in Arizona with the assistance of the Tempe and Mesa Fire Departments, Arizona State University, Mesa Community College, as well as other local, county, state and federal agencies.
Included with the program is a Leader's Guide which offers additional resources in preparing a training program, as well as discussion questions and ideas for classroom and field exercises.
