Although many federal agencies are on call to respond to incidents of terrorism, it is the local emergency responder who will shoulder the burden during the critical first hours after an attack. Acts of terrorism are particularly insidious because their unpredictability and apparent randomness create fear. The damage to persons and property may exceed the experience and capabilities of medical personnel and response organizations. The violence of terrorism is intended to have an emotional impact on civilians, producing effects far beyond the immediate physical damage. Also terrorists tend to have a very high degree of dedication to their plan.
Emergency responders wage an uphill battle in their fight against terrorism.
Terrorist groups often have financial backing, so money usually isn't a problem for them. With the rapid advance of technology, the technical skills and sophistication of terrorists is also escalating. Although many of the response protocols may appear similar to other hazardous materials responses, terrorist organizations will not comply with hazardous materials regulations and standards, so responders won't have the benefit of MSDS, UN numbers or placards to offer clues about the agent used. Adding to the pressure on emergency responders is the fact that the public has now come to expect extraordinary rescue efforts, on the scale of the Oklahoma City federal building bombing rescue. Terrorist weapons Terrorism may take many forms.