Paramedics and Terrorism Response: Lessons Learned from 9/11 and the London Bombings

Abstract

Introduction:

Terrorist attacks are exceptional events that place paramedics in high-risk situations. When terrorist events occur, paramedics play an integral role in the response to, and management of, these events. Given that responding to terrorist events places paramedics at a high risk for a variety of health problems and injuries, it is imperative to adequately prepare for such events through the use of appropriate teaching and educational programs. These programs should be based on the direct experiences of paramedics responding to previous terrorist events.

Methods:

This research utilized a series of focus groups in New York and London to investigate how paramedics experienced working during 11 September 2001 and the London bombings. Specifically, this research focused on what concerned paramedics about responding to terrorist events, whether they would be willing to respond again, and what can be learned from these experiences in regard to disaster response training and education.

Results:

Paramedics reported a number of primary risks that concerned them during their responses to 9/11 and the London bombings. These included injury, death, potential contamination, and exposure to unknown hazards and agents. Personal protective equipment (PPE), communication networks, and reliabilty of information all were areas of concern that must be addressed by disaster planners. Paramedics reported that the most negative aspect of responding to these terrorist events was the inability to communicate with loved ones and the lack of timely and accurate information regarding updates on the situation. Personal protective equipment was not always available, and at times the wearing the PPE interfered with providing optimal patient care.

Conclusions:

Key lessons can be taken away from paramedics experiences during 9/11 and the London bombings. These include the need for dedicated communication channels, accurate and timely information, suitable training and education (including an emphasis on infectious agents), and the provision of suitable PPE conducive to optimal working conditions.