Page 214 - PJ MED OPS Handbook 8th Ed

18. Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Guidelines and Considerations:
The potential to cause physical destruction and death varies with each type of WMD. Conventional
explosives can cause serious damage to a limited area, but rarely effect more than a city block or
two. Nuclear bombs can cause utter destruction of property and very high death and injury rates
in the area of the blast. Chemical weapons, at least in theory, can kill even more people because a
small amount of agent can be spread over a wide area such as a densely populated metropolitan
region. Physical destruction of property is minimal but environmental contamination can be serious
and prolonged. Biological weapons, because of their insidious nature and ability to spread initially
unnoticed, can potentially cause huge numbers of deaths. The table below provides a perspective
on the comparative lethality of the various forms of WMD.
NOTE: The antidotes named in this section are not part of the standard PJ packing list. Prior
coordination will be required to ensure they are carried if a WMD threat is anticipated.

Likelihood of Risk and Potential Overall Destructive Power
Weapon Likelihood Destructive power
Conventional explosive Highest Lowest
Chemical agent Moderate Moderate
Biological agent Moderate Moderate-high
Nuclear weapons Lowest Highest

Pre-hospital Approach:
The general pre-hospital approach to dealing with WMD is similar to that of any disaster. The prin-
ciples of disaster response remain the same, with few additions. Local regional and state disaster
plans should consider the possibility of WMD attacks. Consider the following in the approach to
WMD response:
• Personal and public safety
• Contain the hazard
• Control access
• Implement appropriate Incident Command System
• Triage and treat casualties
• Protect the crime scene.

The current state of society and technology makes incidents more likely both at home and overseas.
The PJ role in the face of this threat is to:
• plan and prepare for the event
• respond safely (to include utilizing PPE)
• provide the triage needed
• provide decontamination
• perform assessment
• perform patient care
• provide transport

212 n Pararescue Medical Operations Handbook / 8th Edition