AG 2001 10 22 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

emergency services personnel entering an area or building that may be contaminated or structurally weakened by an explosion must be prepared for a variety of threats. This entry will be coordinated with all response agencies to ensure the safety of all personnel at the scene of the incident. (2) The new entry protocols will include the following instructions: - the number and type of personnel that are needed to go into the site. - the personal protective equipment needed to enter the site; when and where it is needed. - specific and clearly defined hot zones, warm zones, and safe areas. - indications and symptoms of the effects of the possible weapon used. - possible locations of any secondary explosive devices. - any other known problems in the target area. - procedures for maintaining the chain of custody for any evidence found. g. Evidence Collection (1) In an attack involving a WMD, evidence necessary for the investigation of the incident may be scattered over a wide area or contaminated with the chemical or biological agent used in the attack. Emergency response personnel must be alert to the need to preserve possible evidence and how to maintain the chain of custody of this evidence in this environment. Although the collection of evidence is critical to the investigation of the incident, it will not take precedence over life safety operations. The law enforcement representative in the unified command will provide guidance on this part of the response operations as required. (2) During the response, emergency services personnel need to consider the following points: - life safety comes first over all other requirements - do not throw away any debris or trash from the site of the incident - the law enforcement agency in command at the scene will control debris removal and disposal - Fire service and EMS personnel at the site and at the hospital will be familiar with the evidence collection guidance and will ensure preservation of evidence where possible h. Mass Decontamination (1) This segment of response to a terrodst/WMD attack is a very critical part of response. The ability to conduct mass decontamination of large numbers of people in a very short period is imperative to limit the exposure to the hazard; reduce the patient load on local medical facilities and prevent the further spread of any contamination. The type and amount of the chemical or biological agent used in the attack will dictate the exact techniques and equipment required to decontaminate personnel in the target area. This will require state and federal assistance in most cases. EOP/ANNEX Q 7 September 2001