Terrorism Response

Terrorism attacks can happen at any time and anywhere. The government as a whole can be prepared for the unexpected due to government guidelines and regulations. As the first responders to a situation you must know how to handle the situation accordingly. Many lives are at stake and there is no time for mishaps; the lives that are at stake depend on quick, logical strategic respondents. As a first responder to any disastrous event, ones must overcome its initial fear of the unexpected and be able to calmly take the necessary procedures to save people’s lives.

In a situation of an incoming call claiming responsibility for an explosion at City Hall ones must try to get as much information as possible. These details will be key factors as to how the situation shall be handled. That means to keep the caller on the line for as long as possible while recording everything being said. This will help in evidence against the terrorist suspect after being detained. While the caller is on the line one must notify the police, fire department, and building management of the situation at hand. After the initial phone call about the explosion the next step is to evaluate the scene.

“Possessing the proper tools and equipment is key to any task, and never more so than in emergency situations such as explosion or bombing scenes” (University of Phoenix, 2007, Terrorism Response, Ð'¶ 32).Before entering an emergency situation where an explosion has just happened; as the first responder it is critical to have the necessary tools to determine how to proceed on the scene. When dealing with an explosive scene “prior preparation is vital”; having tools like biohazard material, first-aid kit, safety footwear, safety glasses, heavy/ disposable gloves, safety/hard hats, kneepads, protective outerwear, reflective tape, and respiratory equipment are vital for the safety of the scene.

Not knowing what is on scene before arriving to the situation is the scariest part, after having been there and starting the actually investigation on the scene it is still very crucial to be prepared for the unexpected. When arriving on the scene the first thing that should happen is that the perimeter should be blocked off using barrier tape. Doing this will secure the safety of the public. Having others tools like binoculars, flares, flashlights, utility knives, large trashcans, batteries, a generator, tarps/tents, and an evidence collecting kit is essential to investigating an explosion.

Preliminary evaluation is the next step for the safety of the public. If law enforcement is the first responder to a crime scene, they must assess the scene as quickly to determine the action that’s taken place. For example, law enforcement made contact to EMS to request for emergency services because someone was injured or is bleeding to death. In addition, they’ll contact fire fighters in case of fire inside or outside the building. Law enforcement needs to contact bomb technician in case a secondary explosive device is found. Another thing that law enforcement will do is to identify the scene hazards and check to see if there are any hazardous chemicals. For example, toxins were released in the explosion and no one seemed to notice its chemical being used until evidence was conducted. Law enforcement is responsible for all that’s required to be done as the first responder to a crime scene.

Scene safety is especially important due to the fact that there may be secondary explosive devices designed specifically to kill public safety responders. If a suspected secondary device is located, it is mandatory for everyone to evacuate the building and contact bomb personnel. While in the building it is imperative not to touch any suspicious or unknown items.

Based on the preliminary evaluation,