SECURITY AND SAFETY PROCEDURES AT SCENES OF BOMB BLAST

You have heard that people could become casualties if they blindly rush in to help victims of bomb blasts just after explosions have rocked. It is extremely dangerous to act without caution even if your intention is to save people in distress. Security experts have unceasingly upheld safety as the paramount watchword. Staying safe and secure in all circumstances is the only assurance of success for any venture. Although it is practically impossible to avoid risks in matters such as security challenges, it is advised not to indulge when the risk involved becomes too risky.

In cases of bomb explosions, gunfire exchanges or crossfires and other forms of violent engagements, there are behavioral procedures you must align to in order to remain safe when caught up in the midst of such situations.

Safety and Security Procedures for Scenes of Bomb Blasts

Understanding the impact of bomb blasts on their immediate and remote environment would help you make informed security decisions which keep you safe and alive when caught within the area of impact. Whether caught up as a casualty, first responder or rescuer, making informed decisions in carrying out your rescue operations would ensure your safety while saving more lives in bomb incidents.

Depending on the type of bomb device deployed, it is extremely risky to believe that the environment is safe or secure just after a first blast. Most types of bombs may redetonate and re-explode their fragments or other components. Such is usually triggered by either an initially generated heat, pressure or some form of coordinated electrical or wireless detonations. Most chemical or liquid bombs behave in this manner.

Bomb blast Focal Point of Impact

When a bomb explodes, the most affected area is the core of impact known as the focal point of impact or the primary impact area. Within this region, even metals would not be recognized as all materials would be smeared or shredded to pieces. This is however dependent on the magnitude, intensity of blast and the nature of the explosive materials involved. If a human is positioned within this area of impact, the victim may be blown to pieces without trace.

Bomb blast Peripheral Area of Impact

The second area of impact is known as the peripheral area of impact or the indirect but deadly area of impact. Although this secondary area of impact is equally deadly, traces and evidences are easily preserved. Depending on the blast intensity and explosive materials involved, security experts have maintained the casualty and mortality level of this region to be 100% as well. This is the area where dead bodies of victims and shattered properties are seen littered.

Bomb Blast Tertiary Area of Impact

This is the lowest area where serious casualties are recorded during a blast. Any death that occur within this region are mostly caused by secondary factors such as flying shrapnels or bomb fragments, broken glasses or other flying dangerous objects. Bombs that release poisonous gases may cause deaths to occur even beyond this tertiary area of impact because gases are not limited by defined physical boundaries. Here also, lots of physical damages like shattered glasses of buildings or cars are seen around this area of impact.

Now that you have understood how bombs affect the environment upon impact, let us return to the Do’s and Don’ts for people caught up within the scenes of bomb blast.

Rules of Conduct for Victims Caught in Bomb blasts

v  Remain laid on the ground, whether you were hit or not

v  Although the noise and dust from the blast may fill your ears, nose and eyes, try to determine your distance and direction from the focal point of impact while still lying down.

v  Do not attempt to crawl blindly to safety unless you are very sure there are no dangerous fragments or imminent explosives around your path. You may remain stationary unless help comes from the outside.

v  Do not attempt to stand up until help comes and the environment confirmed safe. Standing upright would expose you to flying fragments from another possible imminent blast within the same area.

Rules of Conduct for First-responders and Casual Rescuers at Scenes of Bomb blasts

v  Do not carelessly rush into the scene of the bomb blast. Another explosion from another primary or secondary instrument might be imminent.

v  If a bomb strikes near your location, swiftly move away from the sound of the blast and then call for professional security help.

v  Survey the entire area of the blast to determine the focal impact point, the peripheral area of impact and as well the tertiary area of impact. Having this knowledge could help you trade cautiously as you make effort to reach out to victims and casualties within the areas of the bomb blast.

v  Immediately contact the appropriate security agencies.

v  Encourage the people aroundto stay clear of the area of the blast. This will not only prevent more casualties from another immnent blast, it will also preserve evidences and bomb signatures which would help security agencies to investigate effectively.

v  In order words, it is advisable to barricade off the entire area and eventually help the first-responders or security agents to put out any resultant fire from the already-gone blast.

v  As an ordinary civilian with limited knowledge about bomb blasts, DO NOT try to undertake major tasks. Allow for the arrival of the security bomb experts if you must insists on helping out. Act only when they have asked you to do so and to what you have been asked to do.

Observing these rules and more would help create a manageable atmosphere of relative safety and security at scenes of bomb blasts. These measures would help reduce deaths and casualties at bomb blast scenes. If you agree with me, share this content on socials and make your opinion known via comments below.