NCJ Number
190516
Date Published
1999
Length
326 pages
Annotation
This document describes current civilian capabilities as well as ongoing and planned research and development programs for coping with domestic terrorism.
Abstract
Three general scenarios were used: an overt attack rapidly producing significant casualties at a specific time and place; a covert attack with an agent producing signs and symptoms in those exposed only after an incubation period of days or weeks; and attempts at preemption, such as full-time monitoring of high-risk targets, deployment for specific event, or simply dealing with a suspicious package. Conclusions were that terrorist incidents involving biological agents, especially infectious agents were likely to be very different from those involving chemical agents and thus demand very different preparation and response. Also, it was recognized that military and civilian medical communities face very different situations with respect to prior knowledge about the identity of the enemy and the time and place of attack. The final conclusion was that, for both chemical and biological incidents, there was an existing response framework within which modifications and enhancements could be incorporated. One recommendation was to develop a system in every State and major metropolitan area to ensure that medical facilities receive information on actual, suspected, and potential terrorist activity. Another was to continue testing of civilian commercial products for suitability in incidents involving chemical warfare agents, and provide detailed guidance for hospitals on dermal and respiratory protection. The civilian community must find ways to adapt the many new and emerging detection technologies to the spectrum of chemical and biological warfare agents. Improvements in the Centers for Disease Control, State, and local surveillance and epidemiology infrastructure must be undertaken immediately and supported on a long-term basis. Research and development in decontamination and triage should concentrate on operations research to identify methods and procedures for triage and decontamination of large groups of people, equipment, and environments. Operations research should be conducted on stockpiling and distribution of currently available antidotes for nerve agents and cyanide; effective treatment for vesicant injuries; development of new vaccines; and research on antiviral and novel antibacterial drugs. Educational materials on chemical and biological agents are badly needed by both the general public and mental health professionals. There should be support for computer software research and development in three areas: event reconstruction from medical data, dispersion prediction and hazard assessment, and decontamination and reoccupation decisions.