EDAPT BIOTERRORISM Latest UPDATE

EDAPT BIOTERRORISM
Bioterrorism, as well as incidents involving chemical or radiological agents, can cause widespread fear. In this
concept, you will learn the basics of weapons of mass destruction (including biological, chemical, radiological,
and explosive agents), decontamination, and nursing actions, which can help in early identification and limit
further death or injury.
Which types of device are weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)? Select all that apply.
WMDs are any device (including nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological, or explosive) used to injure or kill
many people.
Botulism is an example of what type of agent?
Botulism is an example of a biological agent.
What would the first step be in decontaminating a victim covered in a chemical powder?
Remove the victim's clothing to encapsulate it.
Appropriate decontamination depends on the agent. Measures almost always include carefully removing the
victim’s clothing then bagging to encapsulate any contaminant. This measure will remove most of the
contamination. Dry powder contaminants are likely to be brushed off before washing.
Caregivers may recommend a soap and water shower with scrubbing. The exposed people might utilize
copious amounts of water with some agents before a soap and water shower, but this would not be the first
action for a dry powder as some powders might react with the water to form a more harmful substance.
Rescuers should never utilize a fan for decontamination.
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are any device (including nuclear, radiological, chemical, biological, or
explosive) used to injure or kill many people.
The use of biological weapons has paralleled the history of war. Warring armies have used poisoned arrows
and swords, flung plague-ridden dead bodies into cities, poisoned water supplies, distributed contaminated
clothing, distributed disease-spreading vectors (fleas and mosquitoes), and used scores of other methods and
agents to spread disease and death. World War I ushered in chemical weapons using bromine, chlorine,
phosgene, and sulfur (mustard) gases. World War II brought us nuclear weapons.
In today’s world, these weapons are not used often during warfare. Instead, terrorist organizations have
adapted these weapons to spread fear, death, and destruction worldwide. Terrorist groups have touched
every corner of the world, and the United Nations considers this a severe threat.
To better understand these threats, watch these videos from the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism:
(United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, n.d.)
 Radiological and nuclear threat- Illicit trafficking [2:45]