Discussion Post – Term Paper

Question A

Regarding the protection of attack scenes, responders should be made aware of on the significance of protecting the site to avoid intrusion by outsiders.  This owes to the fact that intruders who include the public may not only subject themselves into hazards, but could also temper with the evidence. Furthermore, the full protection of the attack scene would facilitate a unified command for the responders in controlling the scene and also in executing their functions. The attack scene should as well be safeguarded so as to evade triggers for further casualties (Brian et al, 2002).  For instance, if the public is allowed to walk in the scene without control, they may walk on building remains and cause more damages. Therefore, the primary aim of protecting attack scene is for the safety of the responders, the victims, the public and for the smooth rescue operations. 

Question B: 

There are many challenges associated with mass fatality incidents. For instance, owing to the high number of victims involved, emergency responders or health care practitioners may get overwhelmed in their work and hence become fatigued or ineffective. Moreover, the available resources may not be able to cater for all the cases since they would have been stressed to their limits.  In most cases, healthcare facilities handling the case may not be fully and adequately prepared in handling the situation, thus causing inefficiencies in care delivery. Other possible challenges include lack of effective and adequate triage, availability of resources including skilled human resource and an effective pre-hospital care. Pre-hospital care is necessary since many mass causality victims may be greatly affected by trauma and other psychological incidents.  

Reference

Brian, A., Jackson, D., Peterson, J., James, T., Bhartis, T,  Brahmakulan,  I., Houser, A., 

Sollinger, J. (2002). Protecting Emergency Responders.  Rand Science and Technology Policy Institute. Conference Proceedings.