title: Recognizing imminent danger: characteristics of a suicide bomber.
abstract: By all reports, the public is at increasing risk of attack by terrorist organizations. Citizens have been asked to increase their vigilance and report suspicious individuals to reduce the chance of a suicide or homicide bombing. Terrorist groups often target their actions to inflict the most casualties and may choose mass gatherings to detonate an explosive device. Since EMS providers are frequently assigned to work special details where large numbers of people may gather, EMTs and paramedics can assist law enforcement in identifying individuals who may pose a threat to the people gathered at the event. The characteristics of suicide bombers discussed here are meant to increase your awareness level to recognize a potential problem. The astute EMS provider can then notify appropriate law enforcement personnel for further investigation and action.
authors.affiliation: LifeCare Medical Training, Auburn, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Robert G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Nixon
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D005107:Explosions; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D012637:Security Measures / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013405:Suicide; D023481:Terrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States