Terrorism Survival - Part 2

Radiological

Radiation, as used in this section, refers to nuclear radiation, not radiation as a type of heat transfer. There are three types of nuclear radiation that the first responder should be familiar with: alpha, beta, and gamma. Alpha and beta radiation are found as particles, while gamma radiation is found in the form of rays.

Alpha radiation is the least penetrating of the three, and is not considered dangerous unless alpha-contaminated particles enter the body.

Once inside the body, alpha radiation will damage internal organs. Beta radiation is more penetrating than alpha radiation. Betacontaminated particles can damage skin tissue, and can harm internal organs if they enter the body.

The use of PPE including SCBA will greatly enhance the emergency responder's safety when dealing with alpha or beta radiation. Gamma radiation has great penetrating power. Gamma rays are highenergy, ionizing radiation that travel at the speed of light. They can cause skin burns, severely injure internal organs, and have long-term, physiological effects.

Asphyxiation

Asphyxiants interfere with oxygen flow during normal breathing. There are two types of asphyxiants: simple and chemical. Simple asphyxiants generally are inert gases that displace the oxygen necessary for breathing, and dilute the oxygen concentration below the level that is useful to the human body.

Chemical asphyxiants are far more serious. Referred to as blood poisons, they are compounds that interrupt the flow of oxygen in the blood or to the tissues. The asphyxiants prevent proper oxygen distribution and starve the body's cells of oxygen.

In all cases, the cells of the body are starved for oxygen. The asphyxiants prevent proper oxygen distribution. Examples of chemical asphyxiants include hydrogen cyanide (AC), cyanogen chloride (CR), phosgene, carbon monoxide (CO), aniline, and hydrogen sulfide.

Chemical

There are two broad types of chemicals used that can cause harm: toxic and corrosive materials. Both of these can exist as solids, liquids, or gases.

Toxic materials produce harmful effects depending on the concentration of the materials and the length of exposure to them. An individual can have chronic or acute exposures to toxic materials. Nerve agents are examples of toxic materials.

Corrosive materials are liquids or solids that cause visible destruction or irreversible alterations in human skin tissue at the site of contact, or, in the case of leakage from its packaging, a liquid that has severe corrosion rate on steel. Sulfuric acid is an example of a corrosive material. Blister agents also behave like corrosives.

Of all the hazards that fall under the umbrella of hazardous materials, chemical hazards are probably the ones you most frequently deal with because they are so common.

Etiological

This type of harm involves exposure to a living microorganism, or its toxin, which causes, or may cause, human disease. Biological agents are the most obvious examples of etiological agents.

Mechanical

This most common type of harm causes trauma from contact with mechanical or physical hazards. One form of mechanical injury can result from an explosive device, in the form of shrapnel or antipersonnel materials, such as nails, contained in the explosion. Advanced planning and forethought are required to avoid this type of harm. Other examples of mechanical harm include routine slip, trip, and fall hazards that are common to emergency response.

Time, Distance, and Shielding (TDS)--The Keys to Self-Protection

Much of the traditional training in hazardous materials response builds on these three methods, even though often the explicit link is not made.

Time

You should spend the shortest amount of time possible in the hazard area and minimize the time of exposure to the hazard. Time is an ally when the hazard can be expected to become gradually less hazardous. Use time to protect yourself at a crime scene. Use techniques such as rapid entries to execute reconnaissance or rescue. Minimizing time spent in the affected area also will reduce the chance of contaminating the crime scene.

Distance

Whenever you can distance yourself from the hazard, you should. It should be an absolute rule always to maintain a safe distance from the hazard area or projected hazard area.

Use of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances as found in the 2000 Emergency Response Guidebook (2000 ERG) is advisable. Remember that the greater the distance from the source of harm, the less the exposure. Finally, it is advisable to be upwind and uphill of the source, if at all possible.

Shielding

As it makes good sense for you to let time and distance work in your favour, maintaining significant physical barriers between you and the hazard makes equally good sense. Shielding can take various forms: vehicles, buildings, walls, personal protective equipment (PPE), etc. Use of PPE, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), will greatly increase your chances of a safe and successful response.

However, you need to remember that no matter how much shielding is available and how safe you think it is, always take full advantage of time and distance.

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