Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism
Training Support Package
Participant Guide
Slide 2
Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism:
TICs & TIMs
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module participants will be able to:
• Understand the psych impact of mass chemical exposures
• Provide appropriate response to the mental health needs of
victims of real & perceived events
• Describe expected behaviors of large groups of people after
a perceived toxic chemical exposure
• Recognize signs & symptoms of acute psychological /
emotional response to a traumatic event
• Develop a strategy to aid victims with fear/strong emotions
following a real or perceived toxic chemical exposure
Module One – Observed Behaviors during Mass Chemical Exposures
2
This module provides a framework to understand what is often characterized as “mass
hysteria”. This term – though in common use – fails to recognize the normal physiologic
process that often leads to progressive symptoms and disability in the setting of a
perceived toxic chemical exposure (or other fear-provoking event). There are several
characteristic features of crowd response. However, sorting out physical responses to a
toxic exposure from physiological and psychological responses to a stress stimulus can
take time and may be challenging.
Large numbers of people present after mass disasters with physiologic stress response.
The term “physiologic” is used to describe normal or exaggerated body response – the
so-called “fight or flight” response to a stress or fearful event. While the examples
provided in this module highlight some of the classic stress symptoms, it should be
emphasized that there is often a degree of diagnostic uncertainty inherent to these
events.
In the absence of a concerned and knowledgeable response, the fear reaction may
escalate resulting in more symptomatic individuals and more lasting symptoms. People
assessed as having stress reactions should be provided care. Proper planning is
required so they do not overwhelm the acute care system.
December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 430