Weapons of mass destruction (WMD) training programs remain as vital to today’s first responders as they have been for the past 10-plus years. Effective WMD training ensures our nation’s responders can effectively mitigate acts of terrorism, minimize casualties, protect our citizens and restore our communities following an incident.

Unfortunately, many EMS providers around the country report feeling inadequately trained to respond to acts of terrorism involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive (CBRNE) materials.  

 

A December 2004 round table discussion from New York University’s Center for Catastrophe Preparedness and Response, reported more than half of FIRST RESPONDERS receive less than one hour of training in biological, chemical and explosive hazards, with 20% receiving no WMD training at all.1 This national roundtable also noted that fire department-based EMS providers received more training in homeland security and disaster management than non-fire-based EMS. Additionally, EMS providers in urban areas reported receiving more training, compared to their rural counterparts.

 

A more recent survey conducted by Meridian Medical Technologies indicates there has been little change in WMD training for EMS providers to effectively respond to CBRNE incidents. Of those surveyed, only 37% reported an increase in WMD training over the last five years, while 25% reported a decrease, or no training at all.

 

The survey also found only 42% of respondents reported receiving recurring training.2Despite the Meridian Medical Technologies survey indicating a deficiency in WMD training, greater than 70% of the respondents expressed concern that a WMD incident will occur in the near future with widespread consequences.

 

A study published in 2005 analyzed all bombing incidents in the United States from January 1983 to December 2002 found 36,110 bombing incidents, resulting in 5,931 injuries and 699 deaths.3Bombing incidents in the U.S. are a serious threat and they are a common practice in acts of terrorism. Following the Sept.

 

Terror attacks the United States continues to be a terrorist target, making WMD training essential for all providers. Failed terrorist attempts against the U.S. include Richard Reid’s attempted shoe bombing aboard American Airlines flight 63; Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s failed attempt to detonate a bomb

 

2015 Attack on New York Police Officers attacked by an Ax attacker 

 

2015 California husband and wife attack a city building 

 

2016 Pennsylvania Police Officer attacked by a lone wolf