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Local first responders undergo training to combat acts of terrorism

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Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Local emergency responders underwent 16 hours of combined classroom learning with practical exercises to sharpen the response capabilities of first responders during Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTAs).

According to a US Department of Homeland Security planning document, CCTAs are acts of terrorism that involve synchronized and independent teams at multiple locations, sequentially or in close succession, initiated with little or no warning, and employing one or more weapon systems: firearms, explosives, fire as a weapon, and other nontraditional attack methodologies that are intended to result in large numbers of casualties.

The critical decision-making for the CCTA training course is designed to equip first responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively, ensuring the safety and security of the community. 

A press release noted that regardless of size or location, every community faces the potential threat of challenging public safety situations. Such incidents can include active shooters, train derailments carrying hazardous chemicals, bombings in commercial districts, plane crashes, or even chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) attacks or accidents. 

Key topics covered during the course include Characteristics of Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks, Public safety response considerations, Command operations and strategies and Situational and domain awareness. 

The course incorporates real-life case studies to provide practical insights into the characteristics of CCTAs. Tabletop exercises enable participants to interact with responders from different disciplines, fostering collaborative decision-making and rapid strategizing in response to various CCTA scenarios.

The target audience for this direct delivery course included emergency responders from law enforcement, fire services, and emergency medical services. It particularly benefits those assuming command responsibilities during a complex coordinated attack.