The threat of Improvised Explosive Device (IED)/Bomb attacks is a global problem. In recent years their impact was most severely felt in countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Nigeria. However, we have seen that threat spread to Europe, Asia, and the United States.
A reason IED/Bombs are so prevalent is that they are inexpensive and many are relatively easy to make. Many different types of materials, from everyday objects to commercial or military explosives, can be used in making them.
These explosives are also common because of their effectiveness. A small device can cause mass casualties, inflict a great deal of physical damage, and create panic.
There are countermeasures and regulations being adopted to prevent attacks and the flow of IED/Bomb-making materials. Yet the development of IED/Bombs often evolves faster than the solutions.
IED/Bomb Week is an attempt to train all first responders in many aspects of IED/Bombs. The class runs for a week (April 18 – April 22), but is broken into three sections.
Monday (April 18) & Tuesday (April 19) – The first section was developed for first responders. Students will learn about IED/Bomb recognition, how to respond, secondary devices, and a scenario involving a possible bombing incident in conjunction with an active shooter.
Wednesday (April 20) – The second section was developed for command staff. Students will learn about IED/Bomb recognition, how to respond, equipment acquisition, large-scale incident coordination, and how to implement IED/Bomb incidents into policy.
Thursday (April 21) & Friday (April 22) – The third section was developed for evidence technicians and investigators. Students will learn about IED/Bomb recognition, identifying components, equipment acquisition, securing evidence, explosive analysis (pre- and post-blast), and joint investigations.
Each section will be given its own certification. Students are welcome to attend as many sections of IED/Bomb Week as they would like.
The classes will be taught by instructors from the Division of State Fire Marshal, the Columbus Bomb Squad, and OPOTA.
April 18-19, 2016 ǀ 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (First Responders)
OPOTA Main Campus
1650 St. Rt. 56 SW
London, OH
Cost: $130
April 20, 2016 ǀ 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Command Staff)
OPOTA Main Campus
1650 St. Rt. 56 SW
London, OH
Cost: $65
April 21-22, 2016 ǀ 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Evidence Technicians and Investigators)
OPOTA Main Campus
1650 St. Rt. 56 SW
London, OH
Cost: $130