erp biological agents Flashcards
- Exposure to biological agents can occur through accidental, natural, or intentional release.
Microorganisms have been used as agents of terrorism throughout history and pose a viable
threat in today’s society. Which point about biological agents in incorrect? ERP Add. 1
A. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that are capable of causing harm or disease in
humans, animals or plants. Bacteria are responsible for human diseases such as anthrax, plague,
tularemia and brucellosis.
B. By weight, biological toxins are thousands of times more lethal than chemical nerve agents.
The effectiveness of medical treatment is often diminished or limited once symptoms appear.
C. Haz Mat Co. 1 and Haz Mat Tech Units are the only units that carry devices that can detect
the presence of a biological agent in real time.
D. With biological agents, the presenting signs and symptoms do not constitute a definitive
diagnosis. A biological incident may not occur as an obvious, overt attack or threat.
c
- Manifestation of a biological incident is not immediate; however, manifestation of a
chemical attack will be immediate. It may take several hours, days or even weeks before a
biological occurrence is suspected and even longer before a suspected outbreak/release can be
confirmed. Which biological toxin(s) listed below may present immediate symptoms that mimic
exposure to a chemical agent? (More than one correct) ERP Add. 1 2.1.1
A. Ricin
B. Mycotoxins
C. Fungi
D. Rickettsia
a b
Manifestation of a biological incident is not immediate; however, manifestation of
a chemical attack will be immediate. It may take several hours, days or even
weeks before a biological occurrence is suspected and even longer before a
suspected outbreak/release can be confirmed. However, exposure to biological
toxins such as ricin or mycotoxins may present immediate symptoms that mimic
exposure to a chemical agent.
- The physical characteristics of a suspicious substance may indicate the presence or release
of a biological agent. Biological agents can be delivered in liquid or dried form. Which choice
below contains incorrect information regarding the physical characteristics of biological agents?
(ERP Add. 1 3.2.8)
A. Agents in liquid form are opaque, but can vary in color depending on the method of
production and the agent itself.
B. The viscosity of a biological agent in liquid form is typically thicker than water, usually as
thick as syrup.
C. The color of dried biological agents also varies depending on the method used to prepare
the agent. For example, weaponized anthrax may appear gray or brown in color.
D. Liquid biological agents are easier to produce but more difficult to disseminate because
they are less stable than dried biological agents.
b
The viscosity of a biological agent
in liquid form is typically thicker than water, but not as thick as syrup.
- Please read the following two statements below and indicate which one(s) are correct.
(2.1.7) - With exposure to chemical agents, the presenting signs and symptoms are fairly consistent
between victims and typical of the mode of action of the chemical. - With exposure to biological agents, patients may exhibit differing signs and symptoms.
A. Both correct.
B. Both incorrect.
C. Only statement 1 is correct.
D. Only statement 2 is correct.
a
- Units should maintain “situational awareness” and look at the scene for clues of what is
around. Units should be especially cautious when responding to the subways, hotels and high
profile apartment complexes, and national landmarks to name a few. Which point listed below is
incorrect? 3.2.2, 3.2.3, 3.2.5, 3.2.7
A. An outward warning sign of a biological release may be the presence of suspicious spray
devices, abandoned spray devices, or spray devices “out of place” in the environment.
B. All members should be cognizant of paraphernalia that may be used in the production of a
biological agent such as containers from laboratories, incubators, biohazard containers, and
culture plates.
C. A weaponized biological agent will behave differently from its naturally occurring
counterpart, which might be encountered in an accidental release or natural outbreak.
D. A suspicious incident involving explosives where the damage is substantial may be
considered suspect and meant only as a tool for dispersion of a biological agent.
d
You are a newly promoted BC and are SA for a 9x6 tour and working in Battalion 23 on
Staten Island. Shortly after lunch you receive a phone alarm for a suspicious powder in
Tottenville High School. While enroute the dispatcher advises you that the call from the
NYPD and they said that a white powder was released in the school’s cafeteria. Upon your
arrival you confer with the NYPD and they tell you that there were no students in the
cafeteria at the time of the release and that a white powder, possibly weaponized anthrax
was found on a table in the cafeteria. They also tell you they have credible information that
the powder is in fact anthrax. You also requested a Haz Mat response (10-80) however
they are at least 30 minutes out. The police also tell you they opened a few windows in the
cafeteria to “air the place out”.
6. BC question. The officer of the 1
st due truck asks you if you want his unit to set up an
exclusion zone. You would be correct to tell the officer from the 1
st due truck to establish the
initial exclusion zonein all directions. 5.2.2
A. 200’in all directions.
B. 600’in all directions.
C. 300’in all directions.
D. 1000’ in all directions.
c
You are a newly promoted BC and are SA for a 9x6 tour and working in Battalion 23 on
Staten Island. Shortly after lunch you receive a phone alarm for a suspicious powder in
Tottenville High School. While enroute the dispatcher advises you that the call from the
NYPD and they said that a white powder was released in the school’s cafeteria. Upon your
arrival you confer with the NYPD and they tell you that there were no students in the
cafeteria at the time of the release and that a white powder, possibly weaponized anthrax
was found on a table in the cafeteria. They also tell you they have credible information that
the powder is in fact anthrax. You also requested a Haz Mat response (10-80) however
they are at least 30 minutes out. The police also tell you they opened a few windows in the
cafeteria to “air the place out”.
- BC question. At an incident such as this, you as the IC would be most correct to give
which order below? 5.2.3
A. Since the release is indoors have units open as many windows and doors as possible and
avoid entry into the area for a minimum time of 60 minutes to 2 hours.
B. Since the release is indoors have units open as many windows and doors as possible and
avoid entry into the area for a minimum time of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
C. Since the release is indoors have units close as many windows and doors as possible and
avoid entry into the area for a minimum time of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
D. Since the release is indoors have units seal any openings with plastic and avoid entry into
the area for a minimum time of 60 minutes to 2 hours.
c
V7. BC question. At an incident such as this, you as the IC would be most correct to give
which order below? 5.2.3
A. Since the release is indoors have units open as many windows and doors as possible and
avoid entry into the area for a minimum time of 60 minutes to 2 hours.
B. Since the release is indoors have units open as many windows and doors as possible and
avoid entry into the area for a minimum time of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
C. Since the release is indoors have units close as many windows and doors as possible and
avoid entry into the area for a minimum time of 30 minutes to 1 hour.
D. Since the release is indoors have units seal any openings with plastic and avoid entry into
the area for a minimum time of 60 minutes to 2 hours.
a
