Ch 41 - Terror & Disaster - Vocab Flashcards
active shooter event
An act of terror in which firearms are used in an ongoing assault of multiple people.
aging
The process by which the temporary bond between an organophosphate and acetylcholinesterase undergoes hydrolysis, resulting in a permanent covalent bond.
alpha radiation
A type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source; it is the least harmful penetrating type of radiation and cannot travel more than a few inches or penetrate most objects.
anthrax
A disease caused by a deadly bacterium (Bacillus anthracis) that lies dormant in a spore (protective shell); the germ is released from the spore when exposed to the optimal temperature and moisture. The routes of entry are inhalation, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal (from consuming food that contains spores).
Antidote Treatment Nerve Agent Auto-Injector (ATNAA)
A nerve agent antidote kit containing atropine and pralidoxime chloride; delivered as a single dose through one needle.
bacteria
Microorganisms that reproduce by binary fission. These single-cell creatures reproduce rapidly. Some can form spores (encysted variants) when environmental conditions are harsh.
beta radiation
A type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source; it is slightly more penetrating than alpha radiation and requires a layer of clothing to stop it.
B-NICE
A memory device to recall the types of weapons of mass destruction: biologic, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive.
botulinum
Produced by bacteria, this is the most potent neurotoxin known. When introduced into the body, this neurotoxin affects the nervous system’s ability to function and causes botulism.
buboes
Enlarged lymph nodes (up to the size of a tennis ball) that are characteristic in people infected with the bubonic plague.
bubonic plague
Bacterial infection that affects the lymphatic system. It is transmitted by infected rodents and fleas and characterized by acute malaise, fever, and the formation of tender, enlarged, inflamed lymph nodes that appear as lesions, called buboes. Also called the Black Death.
chlorine (Cl)
The first chemical agent ever used in warfare. It has a distinct odor of bleach and creates a green haze when released as a gas. Initially it produces upper airway irritation and a choking sensation.
contact hazard
The term used to describe the danger posed by a chemical whose primary route of entry into the body is through the skin; posed by a hazardous agent that gives off very little or no vapors; also called a skin hazard.
contagious
An infectious disease that spreads from one human to another; communicable.
covert
An act in which the public safety community generally has no prior knowledge of the time, location, or nature of the attack.
cross-contamination
Occurs when a person is contaminated by an agent as a result of coming in contact with another contaminated person.
cyanide
An agent that affects the body’s ability to use oxygen. It is a colorless gas that has an odor similar to almonds. The effects begin on the cellular level and are very rapidly seen at the organ and system levels.
decay
A natural process in which a material that is unstable attempts to stabilize itself by changing its structure.
dirty bomb
Name given to an explosive radiologic dispersal device.
disease vector
An animal that, once infected, spreads a disease to another animal.
dissemination
The means by which a terrorist will spread an agent; for example, by poisoning the water supply or aerosolizing the agent into the air or ventilation system of a building.
domestic terrorism
Terrorism that is carried out by people in their own country.
DuoDote Auto-Injector
A nerve agent antidote kit containing atropine and pralidoxime chloride; delivered as a single dose through one needle.
G agents
Early nerve agents that were developed by German scientists in the period after World War I and into World War II. There are three such agents: sarin, soman, and tabun.
gamma (x-ray) radiation
A type of energy that is emitted from a strong radiologic source that travels faster and has more energy than alpha and beta rays. These rays easily penetrate through the human body and require lead or several inches of concrete to prevent penetration.
incubation
The period of time between a person being exposed to an agent and the time when symptoms appear.
international terrorism
Terrorism that is carried out by people in a country other than their own; also known as cross-border terrorism.
ionizing radiation
Energy that is emitted in the form of rays, or particles.