In light of the multiple package detonations over the last several weeks in Austin, Texas, the Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) Sector – a public and private partnership focused on critical infrastructure facilitated by DHS and HHS – has compiled valuable resources for local health departments and their community partners to use in preparing for and responding to such incidents. While the specific threat in Texas is no longer active, the HPH sector encourages continued vigilance in recognizing and reporting suspicious activities and packages to law enforcement as appropriate. The resources below can be shared within health departments, service communities, and with other partners as appropriate for preparing and responding to explosive and bombing situations.
ASPR RESOURCES
In the wake of the recent string of mailed explosives in Texas, please refer to the following resources available from the ASPR TRACIE: on blast injury management including the Explosives and Mass Shooting Topic Collection (there is a section dedicated to treatment) and our resource page on mass violence. These resources highlight the Bombings: Injury Patterns and Care guidance on clinical management for blast injuries in include a compilation of resources for supporting behavioral and mental health issues. Additionally, the Primary Response Incident Scene Management (PRISM) series was written to provide authoritative, evidence-based guidance on mass casualty disrobe and decontamination during a chemical incident.
DHS RESOURCES
The Office of Bombing Prevention (OBP) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) compiled a counter – improvised explosive device (IED) resource guide for industry partners and stakeholders to encourage continued heightened security awareness and proactive education for combating ongoing threats to our nation. Additionally, a Counter Improvised Explosive Device and Risk Mitigation training portfolio is available through the OBP office. Multiple virtual offerings including Response to Suspicious Behaviors and Items for Bombing Prevention are available in April 2018 for enrollment.
The Protective Security Coordination Division of DHS has developed an information collection for private and public providers that receive, process, transport, and distribute parcels and mail. To complement this product a suspicious package/mail identification poster is available for displaying in the workplace.
**This information originally appeared in the Healthcare and Public Health (HPH) Sector Communications message on March 22, 2018. For more information on the HPH sector visit https://www.phe.gov/Preparedne...**
