First responders: to fight terror, cross-training needed.

PositionSECURITY BEAT

* If terrorists stage a large-scale strike on a major city, police, firefighters and other first responders may not simultaneously converge on the scene.

Police could arrive first, but might have to wait for fire companies to bring emergency medical equipment. In a chemical attack, decontamination units would come later, meaning those first on the scene may succumb to toxic fumes.

That is why first responders should be "cross trained" to deal with emergency situations outside their purview, said It. Gregory Bennett, of the Middlesex County, N.J., sheriff's office. He spoke at the GovSec conference in Washington, D.C.

The scene of a nuclear, chemical or biological attack would be chaotic, with emergency responders setting up shop everywhere in the city. Confusion would reign, and special units may be miles away from where they are needed, he said.

To prepare for this, police should be able to use such equipment as oxygen tanks and protective gear that typically is employed by firefighters. Officers are expected to take charge in an emergency, but they have at times run unprotected into burning buildings, only to become victims instead of rescuers, Bennett said. "We've seen law enforcement arrive on the scene and not be adequately prepared to...

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