InfoGram

October 10, 2002

NOTE: This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the emergency services sector with news and information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information please contact the U.S. Fire Administration's Critical Infrastructure Protection Information Center at (301) 447-1325 or email at usfacipc@dhs.gov.

First Responder Awareness

As a result of the recent sniper shootings in the District of Columbia (DC) metropolitan area, including Maryland and Virginia, firefighters and emergency medical personnel have been actively employed in support roles. For example, they have responded to all the shootings that took place in their jurisdiction and even joined with the police to form a protective cordon at area schools. These emergency first responders remain in a heightened state of awareness and continue to provide assistance to the massive activities of local law enforcers.

The information officer for the DC Fire Department said that "firefighters are generally trying to be more aware of their surroundings, especially when they respond to a shooting." He continued that given a much higher sense of alert, "responders are making an effort not to become complacent."

Experts in mass murder and the profiling of killers suggest that the sniper is likely an American citizen with a cool and cautious approach that may not fit the usual categories (i.e., to settle a grudge or avenge a perceived wrong). The sniper's use of a single shot suggests less anger than most mass killers, said one specialist. "If he was expressing his anger or frustration, he would continue to fire, creating a blood bath."

Although the shooting incidents occurred in the general area of the nation's capital, at minimum, all fire and emergency medical service departments should promote first responder awareness. The CIPIC also recommends that departments consider if any planning or operational changes are appropriate to increase personnel security or to prepare for a sniper attack.

Emergency Room Preparedness

"Terrorism has put emergency rooms not only on the front lines of response, but they are also potential 'mass destruction' targets." This was the main message of the American College of Emergency Room Physicians, stated at their national conference in Seattle earlier this week. A conference keynote speaker added: "emergency rooms nationwide must gear up to respond to the eventuality of terrorist attacks".

Several speakers at the conference discussed that "front line disaster planning" must be urgently completed by the nation's hospitals, because they are being asked to quickly prepare during a convergence of troubling trends. Rising liability insurance costs, downsized patient reimbursements, more emergency room patients, and overcrowding make it nearly impossible to maintain daily services and capacities. Too many hospitals have been forced to close, downsize, consolidate, or reconfigure. Simultaneously, a rapidly increasing number of emergency departments in cities and rural areas have become so severely crowded that they must divert ambulances with critically ill patients. The president of this physician's group alleged, therefore, that emergency rooms are currently in "a national crisis."

Since the existing conditions described above have been and will continue to be a matter of much concern for community emergency managers, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, etc., the CIPIC encourages senior fire and EMS leaders to energetically endorse all efforts to publicly foster emergency room preparedness for mass casualty incidents. Department chiefs can also develop partnerships with their regional medical facilities to ensure understanding and support for mutual response capabilities and responsibilities. It should be expected that revision of respective response plans and procedures may be necessary as a result of the realistic capabilities and responsibilities of the partner hospitals.

The Mold Attack

Floods, tropical storms, and hurricanes can destroy buildings and potentially disrupt infrastructures in ways people usually do not consider, namely by causing mold. Days after a flood or storm passes, buildings and homes rapidly become susceptible to mold. Hence, victims of flooding should immediately examine their structures for mold-related problems.

Mold only needs a few simple things to grow and multiply: moisture, nutrients, and a suitable place to grow. It does not really require flooding to begin its destructive growth. It will develop and thrive in buildings with excess moisture without the knowledge of the occupants. Mycologists and microbiologists write that there are about 100,000 types of mold. The scientists indicate that a few dozen types of mold can cause health problems because they produce harmful chemicals. Mycotoxins cause rashes, seizures, unusual bleeding, respiratory problems, and severe fatigue in some people. More severe symptoms may include profusely bloody runny noses, coughing up blood, severe headaches, and fibrous growth in the lungs.

Following Tropical Storm Allison, in July 2001, a major Houston fire station and at least one Public Safety Answering Point (9-1-1 Call Center) had to close for several weeks. Previously saturated drywall walls and cabinets generated a toxic mold outbreak within the buildings.

Potential signs of mold growth include unexplained discoloration of any surface, musty odor, dark spots on or around vents, water stains, and peeling or curling of vinyl floors or wallpaper. The main thing people need to understand is that if they have mold, then they have a moisture or humidity problem. Regardless of the cause, mold needs to be removed or cleaned from all surfaces. The Louisiana Office of Public Health (OPH) can provide more information about this subject. Interested persons are invited to call OPH at (888) 293-7020, or visit their website at: http://oph.dhh.state.la.us.

Catastrophe Preparedness and Response Center

New York University (NYU) announced this week that it has been selected to establish a new, federally funded center to improve responses to major terrorist attacks and natural catastrophes. The U.S. Congress allocated $7 million to NYU to open and operate the center, which will primarily use NYU scholars to analyze "best practices" in catastrophe preparedness and response.

According to the NYU press release, the Catastrophe Preparedness and Response Center (CPRC) will draw on established scholars and experts in biomedicine, computer science, and public management, among other areas, to develop the following: case studies and training materials for emergency personnel nationwide; techniques and policies to enable health systems to respond to large-scale emergencies and bioterrorism; early warning systems to detect biological, chemical, or radiological attacks; and the psychological and legal implications of terrorist attacks.

An NYU official stated that "NYU has formulated an integrated approach in its counterterrorism studies that will have applications in the areas of health, biomedicine, mental health, public service and urban planning, information technology, infrastructure and telecommunications, and the law and individual rights." He further said, "What do first responders need to know about our infrastructure, disease, trauma, and civil liberties? These are some of the issues our center will address with a focus on effective applications of the best conceptual and empirical analysis the University has to offer."

Any questions regarding the CPRC can be directed to John Beckman at (212) 998-6848, or to Ken Sunshine at (212) 691-2800.