Controling the Scene of a Terrorist Attack and Potential Secondary Hazards - Essay Example

Terrorist attacks and potential secondary hazards When terrorists attack, their main objective is to instill fear and cause utter destruction. This means it is usually dangerous for both civilians and the rescue operators. There is usually the risk of falling debris, and traps set for the first responders in order to hinder their rescue operations. Terrorists are clever, and they have to ensure that their plans are not foiled by anyone. The essay explores the ways in which terrorists use traps as a diversion tactic and how best to react if they are found.

After terrorists have executed their plans, the result is utter destruction and devastation. The first people to respond are police officers, paramedics, firefighters and concerned citizens. They are the quickest ones to reach the scene, and this can be dangerous because terrorists do not just blow things up without a plan. It takes time and preparation to pull of a terror plot. Establishing and maintaining control of a terrorist scene and the surrounding area is most important. Relevant authorities should designate their duties and work simultaneously with the rescue workers.

For example, the police should work on crowd control while the paramedics and the fire fighters tend to the wounded and the trapped. Terrorists usually wish to inflict as much pain and suffering as possible, so they plan their attacks with a clear objective. To achieve this, they set up dummies and traps, and if they are ruthless they may set off other devices in different locations simultaneously. Some of the traps set could include trip wires, landmines, booby traps and explosives attached to pressure plates.

The bombing of Oklahoma City was the most devastating terrorist attack in the United States. That was until the September 11 attacks. The figures from this attack were appalling. The number of fatalities was 168, casualties 680, destroyed buildings 324 and 86 burned cars. The total damage was estimated at 652 million dollars (Clinton, 2010).During the course of the rescue operation, the rescue operators found another device buried in the debris that was marked “live”. They called the relevant authorities and refused to leave until all the people in the adjacent buildings and the crowds that had gathered were evacuated.

When it was done, the bomb was found to be inert and was not armed. It was later determined that it was intentionally left there to create a diversion. This diversion caused the rescue workers to get distracted for a while since the rescue operation had been halted to allow for the disposal of the secondary device (Jasper, 2012).What the terrorists wanted was for the rescue operation to be halted because there were still lots of people trapped in the rubble. When it was determined the secondary device was inactive, operations continued until all trapped individuals were rescued.

First responders have complete disregard for their safety and tend to put themselves in very precarious situations in order to save lives. They know that each second counts, and the terrorists know this so most of the traps set will go off because the rescue workers have no time to check for traps.ReferencesClinton, W. J. (2010). The Tragedy of Oklahoma City 15 Years Later and the Lessons for Today “Vital Speeches of the Day”, 76, p261-267Jasper, W. F. (2012). Arizona bomb trial - ties to OKC bombing: racist and hatemonger Dennis Mahon is on trial for hurting two people in a phoenix, Arizona, bombing, but he should also be charged in the Oklahoma City bombing.

(Terrorism) “The New American” 28, pg 17.