Syria Chemical and Bioterrorism Attack With Incident Command: Real-Life Incident

EMG 4001, Interagency Disaster Management 2

On April 7, 2018, a chemical warfare attack was executed by the Syrian government on its people in the city of Douma. It was reported that approximately 40 to 50 people were killed, and approximately 500 people suffered severe injuries due to these chlorine attacks. Many of the injured suffered respiratory distress, chemical burns, foaming at the mouth, and seizures. Rescue workers made a valiant attempt to assist the hundreds who were impacted by this chlorine chemical attack and found several people suffering from respiratory distress, cyanosis, and other ailments associated with a chlorine chemical attack. Many of those who were impacted were sheltered in place within their residences in an effort to avoid the chlorine gas. Both the Russian and Syrian governments denied that there was ever an attack using a lethal chlorine gas, even with the amount of evidence demonstrating that there was an attack.

For the purpose of this case study, you will be looking at the response system for the Syrian civil defense responding to the 2018 chemical attack on the Syrian people. Ensure you address the points below.

What methods were used to ensure that good communications were being exemplified?

How did the Syrian government influence and hinder the responses from local civil defense agencies prior to and during the chemical attacks, and what were the resulting legal implications?

How were the hospital and clinical systems integrated into the incident command structure or the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which was promoted by the Syrian civil defense? What was the response for the hundreds of victims within the city limits where the attacks had taken place?

Describe how international emergency management assistance may have played an integral role in assisting with treating those who were impacted by the chlorine gas attack.

How were nongovernmental organizations involved in the chemical responses both nationally and internationally? How did the Syrian government hinder their involvement?

What were some of the challenges that responding nations may have faced with the incident command structure from Syria?

What were some of the challenges that the Syrian civil defense faced regarding the establishment of their own Incident Command System (ICS) since it was apparent the chemical attacks came from their own government?

Your case study should be a minimum of four pages in length (title and reference pages do not count toward meeting the minimum page requirement). You are required to use a minimum of three sources for your assignment. The Waldorf Online Library has databases such as International Security & Counter Terrorism Reference Center for your search. In addition, pertinent news websites (e.g., CNN, BBC) contain information on this 2018 Syrian chemical attack. All sources, including the textbook, must be cited and referenced according to APA Style guidelines.

Adhere to APA Style when constructing this assignment, including a title page and in-text citations and references for all