NCJ Number
204412
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 9 Dated: December 2003 Pages: 34-38
Date Published
December 2003
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the planning and implementation of a simulated terrorist bombing in Miami's Pro Player Stadium during a Dolphin's football game, an explosion that not only produces casualties from the blast, but also creates a possibly deadly mist that spreads from the point of the explosion.
Abstract
The exercise was planned and coordinated by Florida's Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force, one of seven task forces created by the governor in the aftermath of September 11th. An exercise design work-group was created to devise a simulated event that would include every possible element of emergency response. One of the most difficult tasks in the planning was to provide training that not only addressed all the jurisdictions and specialties before the event, but was also well-coordinated during the event. The exercise involved at least 700 responders and more than 800 victims. The whole event consisted of multiple scenarios that involved training in every conceivable area of emergency response. The stadium was divided into six discrete sites to accommodate the individual scenarios, and each was conducted somewhat independently with its own set of controllers, evaluators, and actors; however, all scenarios used the same overall exercise controllers, media relations, and safety personnel. Many of the agencies had never worked together before. They worked together in conducting the bomb sweep, terrorist arrests, and special weapons scenarios. The exercise revealed the strengths and weaknesses of responders' preparedness. Personnel entered the hot zone quickly with protective gear and secured the area from any other possible threats, allowing the extraction of victims. The weaknesses revealed pertained to training, equipment, and protocols needed to provide a more effective response.