The Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series (JCTAWS): Integrating disciplines for enhanced capabilities during a complex coordinated attack

Geoffrey L. Shapiro, BSHS, EMT-P; John H. Armstrong, MD; Kathryn Roberts, BA; James Gordon, SGT (Ret.); E. Reed Smith, MD, FACEP; Jeffrey Afman, MS; Scott M. Sasser, MD, FACEP

doi:10.5055/jem.2019.0419

Authors

Geoffrey L. Shapiro, BSHS, EMT-P
John H. Armstrong, MD
Kathryn Roberts, BA
James Gordon, SGT (Ret.)
E. Reed Smith, MD, FACEP
Jeffrey Afman, MS
Scott M. Sasser, MD, FACEP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2019.0419

Keywords:

interdisciplinary response, counterterrorism, whole of community, high-threat incidents, JCTAWS, emergency management exercise

Abstract

Evolving threats, such as Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTAs) and other High-Threat Active Violence Incidents, require a comprehensive “Whole of Community” approach to enhance readiness within the emergency management mission. Engaging all community stakeholders, inclusive of the private sector, public safety organizations, and the health and healthcare communities, is essential for risk reduction by preventing and limiting consequences from such critical incidents. The Joint Counterterrorism Awareness Workshop Series (JCTAWS) is a unique interdisciplinary table-top exercise sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and National Counterterrorism Center, and is designed to test plans and capabilities surrounding a CCTA. JCTAWS focuses on response integration between and across disciplines and jurisdictions. The workshop stimulates participant identification of best practices and gaps so that plans can be refined and resources realigned to improve response coordination for CCTAs.

Author Biographies

Geoffrey L. Shapiro, BSHS, EMT-P

Director, EMS & Operational Medicine Training, Emergency Health Services Program, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC

John H. Armstrong, MD

Department of Surgery, University of South Florida Health, Tampa, Florida

Kathryn Roberts, BA

Office of Counterterrorism and Security Preparedness, Protection and National Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC

James Gordon, SGT (Ret.)

Senior Analyst, Office of Counterterrorism and Security Preparedness, Protection and National Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC

E. Reed Smith, MD, FACEP

Associate Professor, Emergency Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC; Operational Medical Director, Arlington County (VA) Fire Department, Arlington, Virginia

Jeffrey Afman, MS

Director, Office of Counterterrorism and Security Preparedness, Protection and National Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington, DC

Scott M. Sasser, MD, FACEP

Professor and Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine, Chief Clinical Officer, Western Region Greenville Health System, University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, South Carolina