Explosives use by criminal organizations such as biker gangs, cartels and terrorists are on the rise internationally and nationally. The media does not report much on this phenomenon though. Moreover, our excellent law enforcement agencies are able to thwart this occurrence prior to any serious incidents causing injury or death. We must also keep in mind that fire departments and EMS also play a vital role in saving lives, not just by using medical skills, but by being able to identify homemade explosives while responding to fires and medical calls. One particular case involving a firefighter saved the lives of possibly thousands due to the firefighter's ability to identify explosive precursors found during a routine still response for smoke in the area. Upon entry this firefighter noted that chemical precursors (being used to construct homemade explosives) were camping out together leading to a high index of suspicion that improvised explosive devices were being constructed. Christmas tree bulbs, batteries and switches were also being used to construct IEDs. This is just one example of various cases I will discuss showing the importance that firefighters and EMS play 'left of bang'.
I will also discuss the responses to explosive devices. During this presentation I will discuss the dangers posed to first responders when entering a fire or medical scene where explosives are suspected. Attendees will be able to articulate what precursors are used to make explosive materials and what components are used during IED construction. Responses to the scene of explosives will be covered and how to handle a situation where confirmed explosives are located by recognizing, avoiding, isolating and notifying the proper entities. Time, distance and shielding will be demonstrated by showing various videos that distance is the most important facet to first responder safety. I will also cover blast injuries with attendees to determine the difference between high-order explosive and low-order explosive injuries. We will demonstrate how to treat primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary and quinary blast injuries.
During my 22+ years of service with the Akron Fire Department, I have served as a firefighter, paramedic, SWAT Medic and an Arson Investigator. Arson Investigators are charged with the duty of investigating arson and explosives incidents. I have experience investigating numerous explosives incidents where low-order and high-order explosive materials were used. Due to my background in paramedicine, I was able to also distinguish between which typology of explosive materials were used based on the scientific method, research and medical conditions sustained by the victims. For example, during one particular investigation, I learned that a victim had sustained blast lung. Blast lung is secondary to a high-order explosive being used not a low-order explosive. This assisted in my investigation with ATF and the FBI. This fact helped point us in the right direction regarding the perpetrator because bomb makers stick to what they are comfortable making; they do not stray from what is available to them and their comfort level. This 'signature' gave us insight into the bomb maker. Thanks to my medical acumen we were able to narrow down the explosive material category.
