Week 9 Seminar Protecting Emergency Responders: Lessons Learned From Terrorist Attacks

Objectives The lessons learned from the recent terrorist attacks in United States history The recommendations from the RAND/NIOSH conference for the safety of firefighters responding to acts of terrorism The strategic policy issues following the RAND / NIOSH conference

Terrorism Conference December 9 – 11, 2001 Purpose was to hear and document first hand accounts regarding PPE –Performance –Availability –Appropriateness Responses –World Trade Center –Alfred P. Murrah federal Building –Anthrax incidents

New Risks, New Roles for Emergency Responders Terrorist events posed unique challenges –Large in scale –Long in duration –Complex in terms of range of hazards These themes were repeated throughout the conference as critical implications Responders unprepared and unequipped

September 11 Difficulty in operations –Search and rescue –Fire suppression –Shoring and stabilizing operations –Hazard monitoring Responses hampered by collateral developments Length

Range of hazards Emergency workers face a range of hazards in addition to usual hazards –Flames, heat, smoke –Rubble and debris –Human remains –Hazardous materials –Secondary attacks or a follow on attack Current PPE and training not sufficient for protection of responders

Personal Protective Equipment Performance and Availability There were significant shortages in the way responders were protected The lack of PPE impeded responders ability to accomplish their mission Positive –Head protection and hi visibility vests Negative –Protective clothing and respirators

Equipment Limitations Protection from biological and infectious disease SCBA Comfortable PPE availability

PPE Training and Information PPE Prior to response “what kills rescue responders is the unknown” Different information sources not giving standard information Changing information provided by numerous agencies –Anthrax

Recommendations After discussing PPE performance, information and training, and site management issues, concrete recommendations were made by the conference participants. Technologies and procedures for protecting the health and safety of emergency workers

Recommendations (cont.) Personal Protective Equipment Performance Personal Protective Equipment Availability Training and Information Management

Summary The definition and role of emergency responders expanded greatly in the wake of terrorist attacks As with any disaster, there are lessons to be learned. Large scale or terrorist events may be unique and infrequent, but preparations must be made in advance to keep responders safe. Magnitude of events may be inconsequential when it comes to safety