Question

Who is in charge at the scene of a terrorist incident? What are some of the most significant challenges that first responders face in an emergency response to a terrorist incident?

Answer 1

The Federal Government is responsible to act when a terrorist incident occurs. There are two main teams into which they function - 1. Crisis Management 2. Consequence Management

The Crisis Management team works during the crisis, and plans how to combat the attack. The Consequence Management team prepares for the aftemath and re-construction of human life and property.

If the state government fails to control the attack, and has exhausted its resources, then it approaches the Federal Government. Some of the challenges that the first responders face is as folllows:

1. Gauging the scope of the attack - The first challenge is to identify the geographical scope of the attack. This is important because a better planning in this phase will lead to better execution of plans

2. Creating an action plan - Next challenge is to figure out what methods to use to combat the terrorists. Some plans that can be thought of are arresting, shooting on sight, etc

3. Safety of the general public - This is a challenge because terrorist attacks ususlly take place in public places. It is important to evacuate the areas so that no loss of lives take place due to delay.

4. Plan for aftermath influx - Emergency services such as Medical assistance, Infrastructure for people to take refuge in, supply of essential items like food, water, medicine, etc are some of the things that need to be taken care of