Terror attacks put paramedics on the line

With terror attacks increasing across the globe, the spotlight is on paramedics who are often the first respondents to major emergencies. Research conducted by Garry Stevens and his team from the Disaster Response & Resilience Research Group (DRR), University of Western Sydney, reveals that a paramedic’s confidence and willingness to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives-related (CBRNE) incidents differs from that relating to their ‘routine’ emergency work.
The unfolding events in Paris represent a different and increasingly violent type of threat. Paramedics may be increasingly called on to attend sites affected by terrorists using multiple and multifaceted conventional and unconventional weapons and tactics while attacking several locations simultaneously.
First respondents to these incidents will potentially be exposed to a variety of health and safety risks, including physical injury, death, exposure, infection, contamination, and psychological effects such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression.
Stevens research confirms that experience alone is not enough for paramedics to respond willingly to a major incident. Specific CBRNE training is the most effective way to help paramedics perceive a major incident, make sense of it quickly and respond willingly to it.
Another study, looked in detail at how paramedics who have been through a major incident like 9/11, perceive risk and what would influence their willingness to respond again to a terrorist event.
Paramedics involved in the study indicated that they would be more willing to respond during a subsequent terrorist and bioterrorist event if better personal protective equipment (PPE), improved communication strategies between themselves and their families and the development of targeted and specialised training and education programmes were implemented.
These findings are important as they provide emergency planners with an insight into the key risks and concerns that need to be targeted in future disaster preparedness plans, and specifically, for targeted education and training programs in the future.
References:
Stevens G et al. Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science. June 2010, 8(2): 193-202. doi:10.1089/bsp.2009.0061.
Smith, E. Willingness to work during a terrorist attack: A case-study of first responders during the 9/11 World Trade Centre terrorist attacks. Australasian Journal of Paramedicine, 6(1), (2008).