What action should Awareness-Level first responders take when criminal or terrorist activity is suspected?

When criminal or terrorist activity is suspected, the appropriate action for Awareness-Level first responders is to set up control zones. Establishing control zones is critical to ensuring safety and security for both responders and civilians. These zones help to manage access to the hazardous site, keep unauthorized individuals away, and protect the integrity of the scene for law enforcement investigation.

Control zones delineate areas for various functions: the hot zone (where the hazard is present), the warm zone (where decontamination may occur), and the cold zone (where support operations are conducted). By properly setting up these zones, first responders can maintain order and begin to collect crucial information while ensuring that the necessary safety measures are in place until specialized teams arrive.

While dismantling booby traps or explosive devices, apprehending suspects, and determining causes of death may be necessary actions in a criminal or terrorist scenario, these tasks typically require specialized training beyond that of Awareness-Level first responders. Each of these activities could pose significant risk without the proper knowledge, skills, and equipment. Thus, the priority for initial responders should always focus on establishing control zones to enable a safe and efficient response to potential threats.