What type of event should raise your awareness of possible terrorism involvement?

• A. Non-trauma mass casualty incident
• B. Minor injury incident
• C. Domestic dispute
• D. Routine drill

Answer: (A)

When you see a mass casualty event that isn’t focused on obvious trauma, you should be alert for possible terrorism involvement. These incidents involve many people affected rapidly and may present with symptoms or effects that aren’t classic blunt-force injuries at first—such as chemical exposure, inhalation effects, or other hazy signs. The sheer scale and sudden onset of casualties can be a clue that the situation isn’t just an ordinary accident, so staying vigilant for potential terrorism helps guide safe scene assessment, PPE use, and response actions.

The other scenarios are less likely to indicate terrorism in the moment: a minor injury incident involves few people and simpler injuries; a domestic dispute is typically interpersonal violence; a routine drill is a planned exercise, not an actual emergency.