1. Terrorism & Bioterrorism Communication Challenges Module 9

2. FBI’s Definition of Terrorism A terrorist incident is a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States, or of any state, to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. A terrorist incident is a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States, or of any state, to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.

4. Federal Agencies Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Bureau of Investigation –Lead agency for crisis management –Responsible for criminal investigation Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Emergency Management Agency –Lead agency for consequence management

5. Department of Health & Human Services Crisis management Crisis management –Supports threat assessment, epidemiologic investigation and technical advice – may include agent identification, sample collection and analysis, onsite safety activities Consequence management Consequence management –Mass immunization/prophylaxis –Mass fatality management –Strategic National Stockpile

6. The Weapons of a Terrorist BNICE BNICE –Biological –Nuclear –Incendiary –Chemical –Explosives CBRNE CBRNE –Chemical –Biological –Radiological –Nuclear –Explosives

7. Terrorist Incidents 86% are bombings 86% are bombings Most events are either instantaneous or of a fairly short duration Most events are either instantaneous or of a fairly short duration Most are identifiable at the time of occurrence Most are identifiable at the time of occurrence Bioterrorism is different Bioterrorism is different

9. Bioterrorism Bioterrorism is the intentional release of potentially deadly bacteria, viruses, or toxins into the air, food, or water supply. Inexpensive and easy to produce Inexpensive and easy to produce Effect large number of persons Effect large number of persons Can exhaust resources for a long period of time Can exhaust resources for a long period of time Hard to trace perpetrator Hard to trace perpetrator

10. Bioterrorism vs. Pandemic Flu An effective weapon would be communicable, like flu An effective weapon would be communicable, like flu Both could cause a large number of illnesses and deaths Both could cause a large number of illnesses and deaths Both could disrupt major aspects of society Both could disrupt major aspects of society Origin – does it matter to healthcare? Origin – does it matter to healthcare? –Bioterrorism – many patient zeros –Pandemic – could have one initial source

11. FEAR! Which causes more fear? Why? Which causes more fear? Why? –Naturally occurring event –Accident –Terrorism

12. Communicating in a Health Crisis Establish a Joint Information Center (JIC) if necessary Establish a Joint Information Center (JIC) if necessary –Confine comments to your specialty –Clear all comments with FBI/LE if terrorism –Use risk communication principles  Question Anticipation; 27-9-3 Rule; T-T-T Model –Keep the public informed, up-to-date  Get a jump on the story –Deal with rumors  Be truthful –Tell people how to protect themselves

13. Strategic National Stockpile SNS consists of multiple, comprehensive packages of drugs, vaccines, medical supplies and equipment SNS consists of multiple, comprehensive packages of drugs, vaccines, medical supplies and equipment Located at 12 sites around the U.S. Located at 12 sites around the U.S. Will arrive within 12 hours of request approval Will arrive within 12 hours of request approval

14. Strategic National Stockpile 12-hour Push-Package 12-hour Push-Package –Arrives in 100 specialized cargo containers via  Wide-body aircraft (747 or 767) or  7 tractor-trailers –Weight is 50 tons, requires 5,000 sq.ft. of space –Designed to treat 1 million people

15. 12 Hour Push Pack

16. Question What are the communication challenges posed by the deployment of the SNS? What are the communication challenges posed by the deployment of the SNS?