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Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

Chemical Agents of Opportunity for Terrorism: TICs & TIMs

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<strong>Chemical</strong> <strong>Agents</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Opportunity</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>Terrorism</strong><br />

Training Support Package<br />

Participant Guide<br />

Like it or not, we now live in a world <strong>of</strong> heightened awareness that a dreaded event is<br />

going to occur. If we have an unexpected input (irritation, funny odor, see a friend faint)<br />

then we may manifest a natural response - fear. Fear and anxiety lead to autonomic<br />

arousal (tachycardia – rapid heart beat, <strong>for</strong>ceful heart beat – “pounding in the chest” –<br />

perhaps with increased blood pressure, sweating, tremor, lightheadedness, rapid<br />

breathing). Autonomic arousal occurs from release <strong>of</strong> epinephrine and norepinephrine<br />

from our adrenal glands. These symptoms may feel like a chemical exposure to the<br />

person and he/she becomes even more fearful. These symptoms are REAL, and<br />

rein<strong>for</strong>ce the victim’s perception <strong>of</strong> being poisoned. In the absence <strong>of</strong> reassurance,<br />

evaluation, or recognition <strong>of</strong> this fear-arousal cycle, unexposed or non-poisoned people<br />

may panic, and one person panicking may lead to mass panic.<br />

December 2008 Version 2.0 Page 450

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