A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation

Section B. Prioritizing Initial Response Efforts
Note: Safety concerns should be continually addressed beginning with
the initial response effort. Implementation of the procedures in this
section will be determined by the scene circumstances.
1. Conduct a Preliminary Evaluation
of the Scene
Principle: First responders (the first public safety personnel to
arrive at the scene, whether law enforcement officers,
firefighters, or emergency medical services (EMS)
personnel) must assess the scene quickly yet thoroughly
to determine the course of action to be taken. This
assessment should include the scope of the incident,
emergency services required, safety concerns, and
evidentiary considerations.
Procedure: Upon arrival at the scene, first responders should:
A. Establish a command post/implement an incident command
system (i.e., a point of contact and line of communication and
authority for other public safety personnel).
B. Request emergency services from bomb technicians, firefighters,
EMS personnel, and law enforcement officers.
C. Identify scene hazards, such as structural collapse, bloodborne
pathogens, hazardous chemicals, and secondary
explosive devices.
D. Identify witnesses, victims, and the presence of evidence.
E. Preserve potentially transient physical evidence (e.g., evidence
present on victims, evidence that may be compromised by
weather conditions).
B
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