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Mental Health Aftermath of Simulated Attacks

NCJ Number
210084
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 53 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2005 Pages: 48-49,51-52,54,55
Author(s)
Cynthia Goss
Date Published
May 2005
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes a distinctive feature of a simulated terrorist training exercise held on October 24, 2003, at the Niagara Falls Airport (New York), i.e., the simulation of the mental health needs of responding personnel and the responses that should be provided by the involved agencies.
Abstract
The scenario involved a tour bus taken over by terrorists when it stopped for inspection at the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge located on the U.S.-Canadian border. The bus was taken by the terrorists to the Niagara Falls Airport, where it sustained damage during an attempt by local law enforcement officers to stop the bus. Once the re-enactment was completed, role-playing exercises focused on the responses of active participants in the simulated attack. Nearly 125 American and Canadian law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and mental health professionals participated in the exercise, including those who played the roles of terrorists and hostages. One exercise implemented after the threat was resolved was called Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, an intervention used for emergency responders involved in traumatic situations. This exercise was performed with officers and hostages who participated in the tactical takedown of the terrorists. The function of the exercise was to acquaint participants with such debriefings, which are intended to help normalize participants' responses to the particular event, while educating them about normal reactions that can be expected after being exposed to a critical incident. Several persons who played officers responding to the hijacking discussed, staying in character, how they felt after the crisis, reflecting what research has shown to be realistic reactions. One intense role play involved an officer simulating suicidal tendencies, followed by a successful counseling intervention.