A package/envelope/device with a potential threat of a Suspicious material(s) with a threat of a biological agent should Persons in the at-risk area should be rapidly evacuated and evaluated Treat as a HAZMAT/crime scene. Follow local protocols for evaluating risk regarding potential explosive device(s). If an explosive device is not ruled out coordinate efforts with local/regional Bomb Squad and the local FBI office. If an explosive device is ruled out evaluate for potential chemical, biological, or radioactive source material. If radioactive source material appears to be present, follow local plans for requesting additional assistance. Perimeter security denying entry into crime scene. Follow Evidence Response Team (ERT) protocols for documenting the Decontamination at the site should only be considered for the Remove and double-bag clothes and/or provide on-site shower. A package/envelope/device with a potential threat of a Immediate medical evaluation and transport to a medical facility are Even in a "true" release, prophylaxis can be temporarily delayed until Clothing of exposed persons should be removed at home and either Post-Decontamination considerations: Law enforcement personnel should interview all potential victims Consider mental health of potentially exposed persons. It is important that sample results be relayed to exposed victims If explosive devices are ruled out and the evaluation for potential 12 '. 13 On-Scene Commander's Guide November 1, 1999 November 1, 1999 A Glossary of Terms Anthrax - an infectious, usually fatal disease of warm-blooded animals, especially cattle and sheep, caused by the bacillus anthracis bacterium. The toxin that exists as spores can live in the soil. The spores are very resistant in the environment and may survive for decades in certain soil conditions. Spores are dormant forms of a bacterium, bacterium produces the toxin. Bacteria - Single celled organisms that multiply by cell division and that can cause disease in humans, plants and animals. Biological Threat Agents - Living organisms or the materials Biological Threat - the intentional use of biological threat agents as weapons designed to kill or injure humans, animals, or plants, or to damage equipment. Etiological Agents - living microorganism, or toxin, which causes or may cause human disease. Evidence Response Team - federal, state, local technically trained law enforcement team to collect and process evidence from the crime On-Scene Commander's Guide scene. Toxins - toxic substance of natural origin produced by an animal, plant, or microbe. They differ from chemical substances in that they are not manmade. Toxins may include botulism, ricin, and mycotoxins. CHEMICAL THREAT AGENT INCIDENTS 14 General incident objectives for responding to known or unknown potential chemical threats. Be cognizant of secondary devices Secure the perimeter, set up operation areas, establish hazard control zones (i.e., hot, warm and cold zone) Control and identify agents involved Rescue, consider decontamination, triage, treat and transport victims In assessing the situation commanders should consider: Evacuating persons from the potential at-risk areas to minimize potential exposure Weather conditions, wind direction, atmospheric conditions and time of day Plume direction (vapor/cloud movement) Number of apparent victims Types of injuries and symptoms presented (potentially none if a biological incident) Type of exposure and nature of possible agent Information from witnesses' (what they saw and heard) Exact location of incident (type of occupancy) Suggested safe access route and staging area Isolate area and deny entry Approach scene from upwind/upgrade Wear at least respiratory protection immediately Alert other first responders of potentially dangerous conditions Types: temperature humidity precipitation wind speed nature of terrain and buildings Nerve Agents Blister Agents Blood Agents Choking Agents Irritating Agents The five classes of chemical threat agents all may produce incapacitation, serious injury, and/or death. Dose dependent in each victim. Effects range from mild too deadly. Protective equipment or decontamination and prophylaxis Law enforcement should respond including local police and FBI agent(s). Incident commanders should consider whether full fire department response is needed unless device or suspicious material is present or individuals are symptomatic (notify Health Dept. as local SOP dictate). Incident commanders should consider whether full HAZMAT response is needed unless device or suspicious material or individuals are presenting symptoms (notify Health Dept. as local SOP dictate). Treat as a crime scene. 18 19 |