Click here to view EXCLUSIVE FullyInvolvedFire.com Content
Explosive Blast Animation
___________________________________

Explosives Post-Blast Response

FIRST RESPONDER AWARENESS CARD

Version 1, December 2008,
August Vernon fdtac@yahoo.com

Post-blast (or post-detonation) response takes place after an explosion has occurred. An explosives event has the potential to overwhelm first responders due to the large number of victims, fatalities and property destruction.

DISPATCH AND RESPONSE PHASE

• When responding get all the dispatch information available. Nature of the call and location are important.

• Standard guidelines against the use of cell phones and radios may not be applicable. There will be an overriding need for a rapid, coordinated response. If possible do not use radios within 150 feet of the blast site and use other resources such as runners in the "hot zone".

ARRIVAL ON SCENE

• Proceed with extreme caution for your own safety.

• Slow down when approaching the area and conduct a 360-degree scan during your scene-size up or "windshield survey".

• Look for objects and people that seem out of place for the location or time of the call - if it looks suspicious it probably is.

• Use Staging Area to limit number of responders - don't stack up responders and resources in one location.

• Law enforcement should immediately disperse any crowds and establish an outer security perimeter.

• Avoid entering blast areas (Hot Zone) unless it is necessary to save lives.

• ALWAYS BE AWARE OF SECONDARY DEVICES!

APPROACHING THE AREA

• Rapidly implement the Incident Command System (ICS).

• Establish hazard Control Zones around the incident (Hot, Warm, Cold).

• Always have an escape route open to leave the scene quickly if needed.

• All responders should wear all available Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Trained bomb technicians and explosive canines should search for secondary explosive devices during and after the response.

• Appropriate agencies – Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, specialized bomb personnel, Emergency Management, and hospitals should be notified as soon as possible if there is a report of an incident or possible incident.

• BE VERY CAUTIOUS OF ANY ITEMS THAT AROUSE YOUR CURIOSITY!

RESPONSE OPERATIONS

• Law Enforcement will need to prioritize force protection resources around areas of critical operations and the scene.

• An explosives incident has the potential for large number of victims with very traumatic injuries.

• Searching the beyond immediate scene for victims unable to call for help. This may be especially needed in a dense urban environment, where persons injured in upper stories of building were injured/affected (directly by the attack or elderly suffering a health condition).

• Some seriously injured victims may have no visible wounds and some victims may be beyond help.

• Quickly remove victims from the area and render aid in a secure location. Triage must be conducted outside the hazard area. The use of SKEDS, litters or backboards is recommended.

• EMS may need to implement disaster procedures such as triage tags, casualty collection points and field treatment areas for minor injuries.

• Implement local mass-casualty/mass-fatality procedures.

• Triage will be conducted twice, once at the blast scene and again at the hospital.

• Expect numerous types of injuries from traumatic injuries, blast pressure or internal injuries, burns and shrapnel.

• Responders must immediately monitor for other hazards such as chemical agents, gases or radioactive materials.

• If a vehicle or structural fire is involved, Fire should conduct a rapid knockdown while considering evidence.

• Be aware of secondary hazards such as unstable structures, damaged utilities, hanging debris, void spaces and other physical hazards.

• Consider the need for other assets such as Urban Search and Rescue, Hazardous Materials Teams, Incident Management Teams, etc.

• Be aware of the possibility of secondary devices and attacks. This type of event has targeted responders.

CRIME SCENE CONSIDERATIONS

• Establish as large a crime scene perimeter as possible as rule of thumb for the perimeter is to extend the perimeter 50% from the farthest piece of evidence located.

• Plan on an intensive media response.

• Make immediate notifications of local, state and federal resources.

• Plan on an extensive, multi-day crime scene investigation.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPROACH, MOVE, HANDLE OR DISARM A CONFIRMED OR SUSPECTED IED; THIS IS A JOB FOR SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONNEL.

Response sheet is for training and informational purposes only. Please utilize local guidelines and procedures.

Version 1, December 2008

FAIR USE NOTICE
This BULLETIN may contain copyrighted material that was not specifically authorized by the copyright owner.  EMR-ISAC personnel believe this constitutes “fair use” of copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Law.  If you wish to use copyrighted material contained within this document for your own purposes that go beyond “fair use,” you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

Reporting Notice  

DHS and the FBI encourage recipients of this document to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to DHS and/or the FBI. The DHS National Operation Center (NOC) can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9685 or by e-mail at NOC.Fusion@dhs.gov.  

The FBI regional phone numbers can be found online at www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm.  

For information affecting the private sector and critical infrastructure, contact the National Infrastructure Coordinating Center (NICC), a sub-element of the NOC. The NICC can be reached by telephone at 202-282-9201 or by e-mail at NICC@dhs.gov. 

When available, each report submitted should include the date, time, location, type of activity, number of people and type of equipment used for the activity, the name of the submitting company or organization, and a designated point of contact.  

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com.

Privacy Policy | GovDelivery is providing this information on behalf of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and may not use the information for any other purposes.

Copyright© 2008. FullyInvolvedFire.com. All rights reserved.