Ch 44 EMS Response to Terrorist Incidents and WMDs

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential terms, mnemonics, and classifications related to EMS response to terrorist incidents, including WMDs, blast effects, and chemical/biological agents.

Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Agents intended to cause widespread death and destruction.

Mass shootings

Any shooting incident where there are $3$ or more shooters.

CBRNE

A mnemonic for remembering types of WMD: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive.

B-NICE

A mnemonic for types of WMD: Biological, Nuclear/radiological, Incendiary, Chemical, and Explosive.

Dissemination

The process of bringing the WMD agent into contact with its intended target population.

Surge capacity

The ability of receiving facilities to accommodate a sudden influx of multiple casualties.

VBIED

A Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, commonly known as a car or truck bomb.

ANFO

An explosive compound composed of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil.

Primary effect (Explosion)

Injury resulting directly from the explosion blast shock wave.

Secondary effect (Explosion)

Injuries caused by flying debris or shrapnel displaced by the blast.

Tertiary effect (Explosion)

Injuries produced by the propulsion of a person's body against other objects.

Quaternary effect (Explosion)

Injuries including burns, crush injuries, and inhalation injuries.

Volatility

The tendency of a chemical agent to evaporate and create vapors.

Persistent

Characteristics of chemical agents that do not evaporate.

Nerve agents

Potent chemicals that block the enzyme responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh).

SLUDGE

A mnemonic for nerve agent exposure symptoms: salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, gastric distress, and emesis.

Vesicants

Chemical agents that cause blistering, burning, and tissue damage, such as sulfur mustard and lewisite.

Cyanide

A chemical agent with a bitter almond smell that disruptions the ability of cells to use oxygen; high doses can cause death in $6$ to $8\,minutes$.

Pulmonary agents

Chemicals such as phosgene that act primarily to cause lung injury.

Ricin

A biological toxin characterized by symptoms such as weakness, fever, cough, hypothermia, and death.

X-ray/gamma radiation

The most penetrating type of radiation that can travel long distances.

Neutron radiation

A powerful particle associated with nuclear reactors that can be blocked by water or hydrogen-containing materials.

Beta radiation

A low-speed particle easily stopped by clothing or $6$ to $10\,feet$ of air, but dangerous if ingested.

Alpha radiation

Heavy, slow-moving radiation that is easily stopped but poses a serious threat if inhaled or ingested.

Fallout

Radioactive dust and particles that can be life-threatening to people far from the detonation epicenter.

Radiological dispersal device

Commonly known as a "dirty bomb," it is a conventional explosive attached to radioactive materials.

Rescue-task-force (RTF)

A concept where law enforcement partners with EMS to allow providers into cleared areas for treatment while an incident is ongoing.

NFPA 3000

The Active Shooter—Hostile Event Response (ASHER) standard used to help communities prepare, respond, and recover.

Cyberterrorism

The use of computer network tools to shut down critical national infrastructure.