Chapter 14 "Critical Incidents"
Do not enter or let the public enter an area or vehicle, and do not rescue or resuscitate a person if the following indicators are present:
an unresponsive or sleeping person in a vehicle warning sign(s) taped to doors or windows unusual odors such as rotten eggs, sulfur, or burnt almonds a suicide note inside the vehicle pennies in the area tarnished with residue yellow- green or white residue on vehicle seats, dashboard, or windows household cleaning or pesticide containers buckets for mixing chemicals a vehicle's inside door handles removed tape or towels sealing a door or air vents a bag over the person's head
Mail bombs can be difficult to detect. Some possible signs are envelopes or packages that:
are rigid have too much postage have misspellings of common words are handwritten have poorly typed addresses have discoloration have protruding wires have strange odors
In a bomb threat situation, the decision to conduct a search depends on different factors:
if permission is obtained to search a building or area the level of risk for those conducting the search the credibility and amount of detail provided in the threat, as discussed in the previous lesson additional threats or the possibility of secondary devices agency policies on searching for explosives
In a hazmat incident the main objectives are to:
isolate the area without entering it keep people away from the scene ensure people are upwind and out of low-lying areas
When responding to a bomb threat, Information collected should include:
nature of the complaint means of the threat time the threat was received alleged time of detonation a description of the device, if known the location of the device, if known who received the threat
Use sight and hearing senses from a safe distance and look for the following:
pressure release smoke or fire liquids, gas leaks, or vapor cloud condensation on pipelines or containers chemical reactions mass casualties
Consult the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances _____ if the type of hazardous material is highlighted in the ERG.
(green section)
When acting as part of the initial response to a critical incident, obtain the necessary information from dispatch and immediately:
Identify the type of incident or threat. Determine if the situation requires personal protective equipment (PPE). Establish ICS. Set up a command post. Determine the resources needed, including the assistance of other agencies. Determine whether to shelter-in- place or evacuate (with evacuation routes and collection points)
Creating a plan for your family ahead of time will ease your anxiety and allow you to focus on your duties. A few things to include in your family emergency plan include:
a family meeting location at least one out-of-town contact a list of emergency management contacts a method for your family to contact you once the disaster is over
There are, however, certain factors common to active shooters. These may include:
-loss of significant relationships -changes in financial status or loss -termination from a job -feelings of victimization -major adverse changes to life circumstances -feelings of perceived injustice
In each area, of the 704 diamond placard a number from ____ indicates the material's relative hazard.
0 to 4
In the 704 diamond placard system the ____ indicating no hazard and ___ indicating the highest hazard.
0/4
Always look for safe locations and protective cover to defend against an explosion. A general safe distance for the initial perimeter is _____ from the supposed location of the bomb. This is a minimum evacuation distance and applies to situations in which the type or amount of explosive is unknown.
1,000 feet
A common policy or rule is to be out of a building at least ____ before the alleged time of detonation and not return until the building has been cleared.
30 minutes
Indicators of a VBIED might include:
a threat that specifically mentions explosives in a vehicle a vehicle that is parked suspiciously close to a building or in a restricted parking area without a proper decal or sticker a car that is unfamiliar to building occupants or seems to have a heavy load, indicated by riding low on its rear axle a vehicle that has a strange smell or leaks powder or liquid reports that a driver or passenger exited a vehicle and left hurriedly a bomb canine alerting officers that a vehicle is a threat
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed a standard facility and vehicle marking system called the:
704 system
Prepare disaster kits for both yourself and your family. The kits should contain the basic supplies needed for a:
72-hour period
The fire subsection provides guidelines to all levels of responders. ____ must not attempt to extinguish a fire that involves hazardous materials.
Awareness-level responders
Secondary explosive devices may detonate at a ____, or _____ or ______ can cause detonation. During a search, always assume that there is a secondary device in the area.
Certain time radio-controlled devices cell phones
_____, also known as detergent suicide, is a way of committing suicide that involves mixing two or more easily acquired chemicals.
Chemical suicide
____ are materials or devices designed to release energy very rapidly. Some examples include:
Class 1: explosives (dynamite,black powder, small arms ammunition)
______ are materials that are neither solid nor liquid at ordinary temperatures; they are contained under pressure. This may be flammable, non-flammable, poisonous, or corrosive. Some examples include:
Class 2: Gases (acetylene, hydrogen, and anhydrous ammonia
These materials burn in the presence of an ignition source. Some examples are:
Class 3: flammable liquids and combustible liquids (gasoline, diesel fuel, and acetone.)
These materials are neither liquid nor gas. They may burn in the presence of an ignition source, in the presence of heat or friction, ignite spontaneously, or when in contact with water. Some examples are:
Class 4: flammable solid, spontaneously combustible, and dangerous when wet. (magnesium, sulfur, and calcium carbide)
These materials may cause spontaneous combustion or increase the intensity of a fire. Examples include:
Class 5: oxidizers and organic peroxides (bromine or calcium hypochlorite (bleach)
Class 6: toxic materials and infectious substances
Class 6: toxic materials and infectious substances
These materials include nuclear waste, radioactive medical materials, and X-ray equipment.
Class 7: radioactive substances
These materials include acids, solvents, or other materials that may cause irreversible damage to human tissues.
Class 8: corrosive substances
Not belonging to Classes 1-8, these materials are subject to USDOT regulations on transportation. Some examples are:
Class 9: miscellaneous dangerous goods lithium ion batteries dry ice magnetized metals auto-inflating devices, such as airbags asbestos molten sulfur, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)
_____ of placards and labels also help identify a material's hazard classification.
Colors
Anything that holds two or more classes of hazardous materials should display a _____ placard and may use this placard instead of the specific placard for each class of material.
DANGEROUS
An agency _____ sets safe and uniform guidelines for response to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction or hazardous materials.
Emergency Response Plan (EPR)
An_____ is a written plan that describes what an organization will do during various major events.
Emergency Response Plan (ERP)
The decontamination process for a meth lab incident is the same as for any hazmat exposure, make sure to:
Evacuate the occupants and leave the premises immediately.
Class 1 _____ are materials or devices designed to release energy very rapidly.
Explosives
Class 2 _____ are materials that are neither solid nor liquid at ordinary temperatures; they are contained under pressure.
Gases
Law enforcement and other public safety organizations use _____ to deal with many types of incidents. It has helped officers both locally and nationally manage situations, such as:
ICS large vehicle crashes hurricanes wildfires large social gatherings missing persons
An ___ is made from commercially available materials and can be disguised as almost anything
IED
The ______ is a standard, on- scene, all-hazards approach to manage and coordinate the operation of facilities, equipment, personnel, procedures, and communications under a common organizational structure.
Incident Command System (ICS)
_____ refers to an area and its use. Some examples are industrial parks, business districts, agricultural areas, and residential neighborhoods.
Location
_____ are a special class of suspicious items. They could be delivered by the U.S. Postal Service, a commercial delivery service, or by hand.
Mail bombs
_____ are locations where methamphetamine is manufactured.
Meth labs
_____ can be easily acquired and are generally recognizable. They include hand grenades, land-mines, and rocket launchers.
Military devices
Incendiary devices can start fires, destroy property, and harm people. Well- known examples are:
Molotov cocktails, napalm, and firebombs.
The ______ provides ICS training on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website, www.fema.gov. It offers two courses: IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100, and IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System.
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
_______ refers to a structure and its use. Some examples are manufacturing facilities, storage facilities, retail establishments, and residences.
Occupancy
Common methods used in making methamphetamine are the: method.
One-pot Shake and Bake phosphorous method the "Nazi" (anhydrous ammonia)
Who frequently uses incendiary devices:
Rioters, arsonists, and criminals
Previously, responses to active shooter incidents focused on containing a threat and awaiting the arrival of _____. However, current tactics focus on _____ the active shooter and ending the threat before helping the injured.
SWAT teams immediately locating
Many places require facilities to keep documents that outline the type of hazardous materials stored or manufactured on site. One example of a facility document is the:
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
______ means taking immediate shelter in a readily accessible location or remaining inside a structure to prevent exposure to a dangerous situation that exists outside of the structure.
Shelter in place
____ and _____ are considered lower-risk senses when identifying hazardous materials.
Sight and hearing
____, _____, and ____ are considered higher-risk senses when identifying hazardous materials. Never use them to identify a hazardous material.
Smell touch taste
_____ personnel must conduct an offensive fire attack.
Technician level
The _____ requires all pesticides and some other chemical substances to show warning labels on the outside of the container to indicate harmful contents.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Regulations govern the use of placards or labels on vehicles and facilities that store or transport hazardous materials. The _____ requires most vehicles transporting hazardous materials to display placards that describe the class of _____ on board.
USDOT hazardous materials
The FBI defines an ______ as one or more individuals participating in a random or systematic killing spree demonstrating their intent to harm others with a firearm.
active shooter
Human-made critical incidents include:
active shooter events hazardous material spills bomb threats
In the _____, the agency's goal is to review any weaknesses and implement any additional or corrective training, as necessary.
after-action analysis
The diamond- shaped symbol is divided into four segments that indicate the following risks:
blue: health hazards red: flammability hazards yellow: reactivity white: other
If there is a booby-trap concern, only special units or ____ should conduct the search.
bomb squads
Meth labs can also be ______. Use caution when coming into contact with any person exposed to a meth lab.
booby- trapped
A building's interior search should go from ___, beginning with the basement areas, including utility rooms and areas with heating, cooling, electrical power, and telephone equipment.
bottom to top
If you approach the scene and see signs of an explosion, the situation has changed. Now, there may be additional safety issues, such as:
broken gas lines, weakened building structures, debris, and fires
The materials used to make meth are readily available items, such as:
coffee filters, two- liter bottles, blenders, lithium batteries, red- tipped matches, cold tablets, camp stove, fuels, drain cleaner, brake fluid, and bleach.
Locate the person who received the threat, even though that person may not be at the scene. Interview person such as:
complainant, owner or representative custodians or security personnel
Chemical suicide typically occurs in vehicles, closets, bathrooms, or other small, confined spaces where the _____ can quickly accumulate to deadly levels.
concentration of gas
Class 8 ____ These materials include acids, solvents, or other materials that may cause irreversible damage to human tissues.
corrosive substances
Often classified as ________, these are events that can put lives at risk and cause major damage to property and the environment.
critical incidents
Areas surrounding meth labs often have:
dead vegetation
Operational-level personnel with the necessary protection and training can accomplish a:
defensive fire attack
Operational-level personnel can perform spill control if they avoid:
direct contact with the material and have proper protection
To properly identify the hazardous material, you may have to look at
documents or shipping papers interview the transport driver or facility staff. Employees, vehicle drivers, and bystanders may be able to identify the product.
Remember to consider the possibility that a ____ or ____ could have an IED attached.
door or entryway
Other safety data sheet (SDS) facility documents include the:
employer's Emergency Response Plan
After isolating the immediate danger area, the next step is to _____ or protect people in the downwind hazard area or within the radius of the incident.
evacuate
After isolating the immediate danger area, the next step is to _____ or _____ in the downwind hazard area or within the radius of the incident.
evacuate or protect people
The ______ also gives information about how far people should stay from a spill, known as the protective action distance.
evacuation
As an officer, you must be ready to respond when a disaster strikes. You can expect to help with:
evacuations traffic control directions security for shelters
During bomb threat, ask questions about possible suspects (ex- employees, disgruntled employees, angry customers, expelled or suspended students, or employees who may be having domestic disputes)
ex-employees, disgruntled employees, angry customers, expelled or suspended students, or employees with DV disputes.
The ICS scope and structure can ____ or ____on the nature of the incident. Be prepared to transfer ICS command as needed.
expand or contract based
Fire creates the potential for an ____ or a _____ expanding vapor explosion.
explosion or a boiling liquid
Meth labs are safety hazards. The ingredients used to produce meth are typically flammable, explosive chemicals when under pressure or heated. Mixing these chemicals can produce violent:
explosions or toxic gases
Containers that store contents under pressure, such as propane or oxygen tanks, can have additional problems, like:
explosions and vapor releases.
VBIEDs can be very powerful and dangerous. They are capable of carrying extremely large amounts of:
explosives
Materials like ____and _____ cannot use the "DANGEROUS" sign.
explosives and toxic gases
Unless you know the exact location of the device, conduct an _____ of the building perimeter. Follow this by searching evacuation routes, evacuee collection points, staging areas, and command posts. These are ideal locations for a secondary device. If the building is next to a street, begin at the ____
exterior search edge of the street
Traffic crashes are not the only incidents where you will potentially encounter hazmat situations. A few examples of other instances where you might encounter hazmat incidents include are:
factory explosion, gas leak in a residential neighborhood petroleum spill in a body of water
Normal _____ is not sufficient to fight a fire that directly involves hazardous materials.
fire extinguisher training
Evacuate the area if the incident is going to last for an extended period or could potentially cause a:
fire or explosion
The Emergency Response topic has three subsections:
fire, spill or leak, and first aid
Secondary explosive devices are designed to inflict additional injury, damage, and fear to ______ by exploding after a primary explosion.
first responders
Your family's disaster kit should contain supplies, such as a:
first-aid kit important paperwork non-perishable food water toys for children pet food flashlight batteries medications radio
Identifying a hazardous material through the ____ may place you at an unacceptable risk for exposure.
five senses
Class 3 _____ These materials burn in the presence of an ignition source. Some examples are gasoline, diesel fuel, and acetone.
flammable liquids and combustible liquids
Class 4 ____ These materials are neither liquid nor gas. They may burn in the presence of an ignition source, in the presence of heat or friction, ignite spontaneously, or when in contact with water. Some examples are magnesium, sulfur, and calcium carbide.
flammable solid, spontaneously combustible, and dangerous when wet
While identifying hazardous materials, prevent direct contamination by avoiding contact with the product and its:
gases vapors smoke
There is usually a direct relationship between the size of the container and the size of the affected ______. Therefore, the bigger the container, the bigger the area covered.
geographical area
Certain traits are common to active shooters. They may experience ____, ____, and the feeling that they have been _____ by others, even if this is untrue.
hate anger victimized
Company names and other unique markings may indicate the presence of:
hazardous materials
Chemical suicide Moderate exposure can cause:
headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
Dangerous chemicals used in the manufacturing process of methamphetamine can be found anywhere in a:
home vehicle vessel shed motel other location.
Examples of natural critical incidents include:
hurricanes tornadoes floods wildfires
Florida is prone to many types of environmental disasters, particularly:
hurricanes tornadoes floods wildfire
There are several methods of chemical suicide. The most common method uses:
hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen cyanide
Awareness-level responders may _____ who present a significant risk of secondary contamination, but should avoid direct contact with these people to prevent exposure.
identify contaminated people
Incendiary devices consist of a minimum of three components an:
ignition source, a combustible filler material, and a container.
An _____ is a homemade bomb built and used in ways other than conventional military action.
improvised explosive device (IED)
During the ____, officers provide information on operational strengths and weaknesses.
incident critique phase
If you suspect a lab is present, do not:
inhale fumes, touch or taste the chemicals, or turn anything on or off.
For further notification, call the emergency contact number on the shipping papers or the emergency response telephone numbers listed ____ for more information.
inside the ERG's back cover (back page)
Chemical suicide Mild exposure to such chemicals can:
irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
Encourage contaminated, conscious victims to move to an _____ and _____ from properly trained and protected personnel. Do not allow anyone or anything to leave the area without evaluation for decontamination by properly protected qualified personnel.
isolated area and await medical assistance
As you approach the scene, note ____ and approximate _____ so that you can give specific directions to other responding units.
landmarks safe distances
When confronted with an active shooter incident, you may encounter a chaotic situation with: and secondary hazards, such as:
large numbers of injured people fleeing crowds improvise explosive devices
Technician-level responders can perform:
leak control
Officers with strong community ties will also be more effective when delivering information about evacuations and safety procedures. Often, you will be responsible for relaying:
life-saving information including information on family reunification food banks shelters
Military memorabilia or souvenirs accidentally discovered can be _____. Always assume that such devices are live. Do not handle them. Clear the area and request assistance from a bomb squad for proper removal or disposal.
live or inert
An active shooter's goal is ______, not traditional criminal acts, such as robbery or hostage taking.
mass murder
Class 9 ____ Not belonging to Classes 1-8, these materials are subject to USDOT regulations on transportation. Some examples are: -lithium ion batteries -dry ice -magnetized metals -auto-inflating devices, such as airbags -asbestos -molten sulfur, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) -hazardous waste
miscellaneous dangerous goods
Always use caution when encountering a meth lab or suspected meth lab. Remember that many meth labs are ____ and are found in ____.
mobile vehicles
Evacuation distance from a vehicle should be ____ than evacuation distance from a building because a VBIED is potentially very large, and pieces of the vehicle can act as shrapnel.
much greater
Critical incidents can be _____, or the result of ____ or error.
natural human acts
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) defines ___ common classes of hazardous materials.
nine
The _____ subsection lets you know the first thing to do when called to a scene. Some examples are activating an agency's ERP and making sure help is coming.
notification
The Public Safety topic has three subsections:
notification protective clothing evacuation
The public safety _____ lets you know the first thing to do when called to a scene. Some examples are activating an agency's ERP and making sure help is coming.
notification subsection
During the _____ process, officers are advised of the materials to which they may have been exposed, signs and symptoms of overexposure, and who to contact if they notice signs or symptoms of exposure.
on-scene debriefing
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require a structured termination process. The three steps are:
on-scene debriefing incident critique after-action analysis
the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) can help you identify hazardous materials. When responding to hazmat situations, the ____ are the most important part of the ERG.
orange color-coded pages
Where can the (NFPA) 704 diamond placard be found:
outside of structures storage facilities vehicles
Class 5 _____These materials may cause spontaneous combustion or increase the intensity of a fire. Examples include bromine or calcium hypochlorite (bleach).
oxidizers and organic peroxides
During the decontamination process. Do not place anything in the ____ before decontamination.
patrol vehicle
During a bomb threat, credibility will be the major issue in determining whether to search or evacuate. The owner or building representative must give ____ to search or evacuate, unless you find a _____. In this case, the area has become a crime scene, and you will order a mandatory evacuation.
permission device
During Incident Command System, communicate in ______ since different agencies may use different radio codes.
plain language
Details such as traffic patterns, time of day, inhabitants, and type of location may affect how you respond to a:
potential hazard
The evacuation subsection also gives information about how far people should stay from a spill, known as the:
protective action distance
The _____ subsection tells you about protective clothing you may need. Protective clothing requires proper training to use.
protective clothing
The _____ tells you about protective clothing you may need. this requires proper training to use.
protective clothing subsection
A simple chemical process converts _____ or _____ into methamphetamine.
pseudo-ephedrine or ephedrine
Avoiding ____ use may stop the accidental triggering or detonation of a bomb designed to explode by radio waves.
radio
Class 7 _____ These materials include nuclear waste, radioactive medical materials, and X-ray equipment.
radioactive substances
Operational-level responders can also activate:
remote shut-off
Common materials used in the manufacture of incendiary devices are:
roadway flares gasoline or motor oil glass containers
Meth labs may produce strong chemical odors, similar to:
rotten eggs or cat urine
A person can place a pressure switch under a: They can use a cell phone or a key fob to remotely detonate an explosive device.
rug, beneath a doormat, or in soil.
Right after a major disaster, your work will shift from evacuation to _________; providing security to shelters, distribution centers, and hospitals; and keeping the peace.
search and rescue and delivering supplies
A _____ is a bomb placed at the scene of an ongoing emergency response that is intended to cause casualties among responders.
secondary explosive device
Chemical suicide High exposure symptoms include:
severe respiratory, irritation, severe eye irritation, convulsions, coma, and death.
The ____ of the container involved in the hazmat incident can provide useful information about the type of hazard. The main types of containers include:
shape portable, fixed, and transportation containers
Commercial vehicle operators are required to carry documents that list the contents of their shipment. These documents are called _____ or _____.
shipping papers or shipping manifests
______ can help you identify the materials and associated hazards and take appropriate actions if exposure occurs.
shipping papers or shipping manifests
is also important to remember that there is not a ____ for a mass shooter.
single profile
Be sure to check the disaster kits every _____ and replace any food, water, or medicines that might have expired.
six months
Many active shooters show their desire to hurt others before carrying out a mass shooting. They may engage in certain behaviors that prompt those around them to realize they are thinking about carrying out mass violence. These behaviors may include showing their desire to hurt others through
social media journal writings making statements to other people.
The ______ is the level of competency expected or required when performing this duty.
standard of care
While approaching the scene of a bomb threat safely and tactically make sure to:
stop at a safe distance do not block additional units interview witnesses use natural or artificial structures for protective cover
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) documents must be displayed in facilities where a hazardous substance is:
stored, manufactured, or used
Most bomb threats come via:
telephone voicemail a note left at the scene social media mailed letter fax, or an email
The orange color-code pages contain ____ main topics for each substance identified.
three
Class 6 _____These materials include medical waste and biological hazards.
toxic materials and infectious substances
A creative bomb maker can construct an explosive device to detonate through a number of methods. Some examples include:
tripwires, pressure switches, motion detectors, infrared beams, and remote triggers.
If you find a suspicious item, vacate the room or area immediately. Take a quick look at the device before leaving. Note any identifying features, including:
type, color, shape, and size of the device names, labels, placards, chemical symbols, or signs indicating the type of explosive.
When approaching a possible bomb situation, decide whether to turn off radios and radio wave- transmitting devices. There is no _____ on whether to do this at or near a bomb threat scene.
universal agreement
When approaching the scene, look for secondary devices or suspicious packages and signs of hazardous materials. You might notice an unusual smell or irritation to your skin, eyes, or breathing passages. If this occurs, you should, if possible, move ____ and ___ from the hazard and seek____.
upwind and uphill medical attention
While conducting a search of secondary explosive devices, pay attention to any:
vehicle parked close to the building abandoned luggage, gym bags, backpacks, buggies, strollers, or suspicious packages.
A motor vehicle used as a bomb is a:
vehicle- borne improvised explosive device (VBIED)
Typically secondary explosive devices are hidden or camouflaged. Bombers place the devices in ordinary objects, such as:
vehicles, flashlights, backpacks, flowerpots, or garbage cans
Very few active shooters have had previous arrests for _____. This makes it difficult to identify the shooters before they act.
violent crimes
A bomb maker can wire a ____ into the bomb's triggering circuit so that it detonates by operating the switch.
wall light switch
During a bomb threat search, if the owner or building representative cannot be located, you may conduct the search:
without consent.
