Chapter 41: Terrorism Response and Disaster Management

These flashcards provide key vocabulary terms and definitions related to terrorism response and disaster management, aiding in the study of the associated concepts.

International Terrorism

Terrorism that occurs primarily outside the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.

Domestic Terrorism

Terrorism carried out by individuals or groups within their own country.

Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Any agent designed to cause mass death or casualties, or massive damage to property.

Weapon of Mass Casualty (WMC)

Similar to WMD; an agent designed to cause mass casualties and damage.

National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)

DHS system providing alerts on national security threats and recommendations for safety.

Triage

The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their condition.

Secondary Device

An explosive device placed to detonate after an initial explosion, targeting responders.

Syndromic Surveillance

Monitoring of disease symptoms to detect outbreaks of illness, including those due to bioterrorism.

Points of Distribution (PODs)

Locations for distributing medical supplies and antidotes during a public health emergency.

Active Shooter Event

A situation where an armed individual is actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people.

Blister Agents

Also known as vesicants; chemicals that cause severe skin and respiratory injuries.

Organophosphate

A class of chemicals used in pesticides and nerve agents; can cause severe poisoning.

Vapor Hazard

A term describing the danger posed by an agent that enters the body through the respiratory tract.

Cyanide

A colorless gas that prevents the body from using oxygen; has rapid fatal effects.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; related to the communicability of certain biologic agents.

Incendiary Device

A device used to start fires, often employed in terrorist attacks.

Lone Wolf Terrorist

An individual who commits terrorist acts independently, without direct support from an organization.

Nerve Agents

Highly toxic chemicals designed to disrupt the nervous system, causing severe physiological effects.

Radiologic Dispersal Device (RDD)

A device designed to disperse radioactive material, often referred to as a 'dirty bomb.'