March 9, 2006 InfoGram

This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by email at emr-isac@fema.dhs.gov.

Resiliency Complements Hazard Mitigation

The Emergency Management and Response—Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) asserts that hazard mitigation is the "top line" of critical infrastructure protection (CIP), with mission assurance being the "bottom line" for the departments and agencies of the Emergency Services Sector (ESS). As applied to CIP, hazard mitigation includes the activities to avoid or minimize the undesired effects of all hazards on community and first responder critical infrastructures. These activities, which usually consist of protective measures, assure the emergency services can accomplish life-saving missions during and after a man-made or natural disaster.

Since resources for mitigation activities (i.e., protective measures) are severely limited, the EMR-ISAC suggests the appropriateness of resiliency activities as a prudent cost-effective alternative for the infrastructure that cannot be adequately protected. Resiliency measures (e.g., redundant systems, back-up power, and alternate fuel sources) facilitate a quicker recovery and reconstitution from all hazards, and an earlier return to normal operations.

The mitigation focus is primarily on using finite resources to protect truly indispensable infrastructure prior to a deliberate or accidental catastrophe. Resiliency actions complement mitigation efforts preceding any disasters by addressing and resolving the protection gaps in local critical infrastructures. Together, mitigation and resiliency measures provide a complete community preparedness package for the people, physical assets, and communication/cyber systems (i.e., critical infrastructures) of municipalities and their emergency organizations.

In summary, the EMR-ISAC maintains that complementary mitigation and resiliency safeguard not only the critical infrastructure itself but, more importantly, the essential services it provides to community citizenry including the families of first responders.

Domestic Extremists: Growing Danger

American extremists have been a source of domestic terrorism in the United States for decades. Their targets typically have included public and private facilities as well as minority groups. However, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) recently reported a "significant and troubling" resurgence of racist skinhead activity, "with a rise in the number of organized racist skinhead groups in nearly all states in the country." While noting that not all skinheads are racist, the ADL report identifies 110 racist skinhead groups, most of which did not exist five years ago.

The ADL Home Page explains that the mission of the private organization is "to secure justice and fair treatment for all citizens alike, and to put an end forever to unjust and unfair discrimination against and ridicule of any sect or body of citizens."

According to the ADL report, racist skinheads have been involved in over 83 criminal incidents directed against minorities in the past few years. At least 17 of the crimes involved murder, attempted murder or manslaughter. Equally appalling are the attempted acts of terrorism which would have potentially degraded community law enforcement and public safety critical infrastructures. The entire ADL report can be seen and downloaded at http://www.adl.org/PresRele/NeoSk_82/4860_82.htm.

Considering the increasing danger to emergency personnel and their infrastructures, the EMR-ISAC recommends appropriate safety and force protection techniques when responding to incidents involving individuals affiliated with any confirmed racist skinhead group.

Realistic Exercises Aid CIP

Traditionally, the nation's emergency managers and first responders have lead responsibilities for performing emergency management duties. Given quality instruction and equipment, response personnel will also prevent where possible, protect against, respond to, and assist in the recovery from disastrous events. They routinely train to arrive at an incident scene and take immediate action.

With almost any skill and capability, experience and practice enhance the required proficiencies. For emergency responders, many would agree that exercises are essential for developing professional confidence and competence. The EMR-ISAC acknowledges that thoroughly planned and executed exercises can additionally benefit the infrastructure protection of participating organizations. When infrastructure protection has been properly integrated into exercises, emergency responders will train to habitually apply protection measures for their own infrastructures as well as those of the local community.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO), the audit, evaluation, and investigative arm of Congress, exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities and to help improve the performance and accountability of the federal government for the American people. In a report to Congress released on 23 February 2006, the GAO made a strong case for supporting exercises to bolster emergency preparedness and response. This report, "Some Issues and Challenges Associated with Major Emergency Incidents," can be reviewed at http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-467T.

Aviation Investigation of EMS Operations

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), concerned about the occurrence of 55 EMS aircraft (helicopter or fixed-wing) accidents in a 3-year period, and by the lack of response to previous Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) related safety guidance, released "Special Investigation Report on Emergency Medical Services Operations."

The 55 accidents between January 2002 and January 2005 caused 54 fatalities and 18 serious injuries, a total not seen since the 1980s. Although the number of flight hours by EMS pilots has nearly doubled since then, the average accident rate has increased to 4.56 accidents per 100,000 flight hours. Specific accidents were cited in the report's discussion of each safety issue identified. In those accidents, the emergency medical services lost members of its most critical infrastructure—pilots, flight paramedics, and flight nurses—and sustained losses to its aircraft and equipment (i.e., physical assets) infrastructure.

NTSB's focus in this report is to discuss the safety issues identified during its investigation and suggest recommendations and corrective actions, not to represent a comprehensive statistical analysis of EMS accidents. Upon review of the document, the EMR-ISAC accepts the nexus between these air ambulance safety issues and critical infrastructure protection. Therefore, ESS leaders involved with emergency medical aviation are invited to read the full report at http://www.ntsb.gov/publictn/2006/SIR0601.htm.