Counter Terrorism and First Responders
be a trained professional, but they can be
of use. Their level of usefulness is
determined by our security officials,
being those who are ultimately
responsible. An ideal situation is that we
have a police officer on every corner, a
SWAT team nearby, a doctor on the scene
and so on, yet this is not reality. The
Israel Defence Forces and civilian
Security Directors realised this and set
out on a project that is not unlike that of
a volunteer fire fighter. The concept was
just expanded. Different scenarios
require different responses. A possible
terror attack requires someone that has
anti-terror training, medical emergencies
require medics, and crisis management
requires extra training for municipal or
facility officials. This is basically a very
simple solution. It becomes more
complex when we build the infrastructure
for such a solution. Once in place
however, it works. The implementation of
such a programme yields great rewards.
The awareness levels of those that Training children to be first responders. Stephanie Thomacos, 13, gives aid to
participate are enhanced, usually simulated victim Julia Massi during a mock aircraft crash as part of the training at
spreading to their workplace peers. The the National Emergency Services Academy, USA.
realisation of such a programme can
often deter a terror or criminal act.
Furthermore, a level of communication
and “common language” develops I refer again to the Israeli example of undergo training and volunteer in hospitals
between civilian team members and law using such individuals in communities and and ambulance services. They always have
enforcement, enabling them to speak the facilities ranging from malls to airports. One the “medic” kits with them, in their car,
same language; the by-product being a of the first actions taken in the event of a home or place of work. Because these are
more efficient system of law terror attack or natural disaster is the call “regular” citizens dispersed throughout
enforcement, awareness and the up of the Emergency Management Team. Israeli cities, towns and rural communities,
possibility of success in saving lives. The members of this team do not replace they are readily available nationwide. At a
Whereas tactics differ per scenario, they those officials already employed by the moment’s notice they appear on the scene
can apply to already existing assets in facility or government, but enhance them by and start providing needed medical
various situations. providing much needed backup in all attention. Of course, having such
Our greatest assets in the event of a realms of emergency management. Some individuals all around us enhances our
terrorist attack are ourselves. No matter examples of sub committees are: logistics, society in the event of any emergency, be it
how well trained our security officials are, safety and medical. By utilising the personal or communal; it’s not all about a
as those of us that have experienced such resources within our community or facility response to terror. Courses are given and
events can bear witness, a terror incident we improve the efficiency of our response in supervised by the necessary medical
brings with it total havoc and chaos. Once all aspects. A very important by-product is professionals and refresher courses are
we understand and accept this fact, then that we also create an atmosphere of constantly available. Integrating this
we can start working. security in our facility, awareness, and the concept into our community is an
Naturally, we cannot expect our feeling that we all can do something to help. important factor.
governments to employ, full-time, the The importance of involvement in this new
number of first responders necessary to era is the key to victory. Security Director
manage all “incidents”. And it is for this Terrorism is no longer a problem “over
reason that an apparatus must be set up Civilian Medical Response there”. We find today’s terrorist threats
using our peers and co-workers. If we look If we investigate life saving efforts in mass in all places and aspects of our society.
at our friends and co-workers, we see a casualty incidents throughout the world we 9/11 was a vicious wake up call to the
collection of multi-talented people – find that the speedy availability of trained modern world. Despite that the fact that
former police officers, fire fighters, medical professionals on the scene makes the western world has held its arms
medical personnel, social workers, to all the difference. An aspect of the Israeli open to the people of the world, willing
name a few. These people, by default, response is the availability of such to assist them where necessary and
have great value that is simply not taken professionals, many of whom are not take in those less fortunate, we find that
advantage of efficiently. paramedics but regular medics that there are those that we welcomed, such
Aviationsecurityinternational February 2009 www.asi-mag.com 19
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52