Transcript Terrorism & Bioterrorism Communication Challenges

Terrorism & Bioterrorism
Communication Challenges
Module 9
FBI’s Definition of Terrorism

A terrorist incident is a violent
act or an act dangerous to
human life, in violation of the
criminal laws of the United
States, or of any state, to
intimidate or coerce a
government, the civilian
population, or any segment
thereof, in furtherance of
political or social objectives.
Federal Agencies
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Federal Bureau of Investigation
– Lead agency for crisis management
– Responsible for criminal investigation
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Federal Emergency Management Agency
– Lead agency for consequence management
Department of Health & Human
Services
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Crisis management
– Supports threat assessment, epidemiologic
investigation and technical advice
– may include agent identification, sample collection
and analysis, onsite safety activities
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Consequence management
– Mass immunization/prophylaxis
– Mass fatality management
– Strategic National Stockpile
The Weapons of a Terrorist
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BNICE
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Biological
Nuclear
Incendiary
Chemical
Explosives
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CBRNE
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Chemical
Biological
Radiological
Nuclear
Explosives
Terrorist Incidents
86% are bombings
 Most events are either instantaneous or of
a fairly short duration
 Most are identifiable at the time of
occurrence
 Bioterrorism is different

Bioterrorism
Bioterrorism is the intentional release of
potentially deadly bacteria, viruses, or toxins
into the air, food, or water supply.
Inexpensive and easy to produce
 Effect large number of persons
 Can exhaust resources for a long period of time
 Hard to trace perpetrator
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Bioterrorism vs. Pandemic Flu
An effective weapon would be
communicable, like flu
 Both could cause a large number of
illnesses and deaths
 Both could disrupt major aspects of society
 Origin – does it matter to healthcare?
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– Bioterrorism – many patient zeros
– Pandemic – could have one initial source
FEAR!
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Which causes more fear? Why?
– Naturally occurring event
– Accident
– Terrorism
Communicating in a Health Crisis
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Establish a Joint Information Center (JIC) if
necessary
– Confine comments to your specialty
– Clear all comments with FBI/LE if terrorism
– Use risk communication principles
 Question Anticipation; 27-9-3 Rule; T-T-T Model
– Keep the public informed, up-to-date
 Get a jump on the story
– Deal with rumors
 Be truthful
– Tell people how to protect themselves
Strategic National Stockpile
SNS consists of multiple, comprehensive
packages of drugs, vaccines, medical
supplies and equipment
 Located at 12 sites around the U.S.
 Will arrive within 12 hours of request
approval
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Strategic National Stockpile
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12-hour Push-Package
– Arrives in 100 specialized cargo containers via
 Wide-body aircraft (747 or 767) or
 7 tractor-trailers
– Weight is 50 tons, requires 5,000 sq.ft. of
space
– Designed to treat 1 million people
12 Hour Push Pack
Question

What are the communication challenges
posed by the deployment of the SNS?