Course Description

Webinar Agenda: Bomb Threat Response & Lessons Learned

1. Welcome & Objectives (2–3 min)

• Purpose of session

• Overview of the two recent bomb threat incidents

• Key learning goals for coalition partners

2. Incident Overview (5–7 min)

• Timeline of Event #1

• Timeline of Event #2

• Key similarities and differences

• Initial actions taken (notification, response, coordination)

3. Operational Response Framework (5–7 min)

• Activation considerations (IVT / HICS decision-making)

• Communication pathways (internal vs. external)

• Coordination with law enforcement and regional partners

• Role of facility vs. system-level response

4. What Went Well (5 min)

• Rapid recognition and escalation

• Staff engagement and adherence to procedures

• Collaboration with local bomb squad and law enforcement

• Use of existing emergency communication systems

5. Challenges Identified (5–7 min)

• Inconsistent information capture during initial calls

• Over-alerting / message clarity issues

• Variability in staff response across locations

• Gaps in role clarity (especially communications and leadership coordination)

6. Key Improvements Implemented (7–10 min)

• Bomb Threat Phone Cards

  • Standardized questions and prompts

  • Placement at all phones / key areas

• Public Information Officer (PIO) Integration

  • Centralized messaging control

  • Reducing alert fatigue and misinformation

• Enhanced Coordination with Bomb Squad

  • Clear expectations and early notification protocols

  • Unified command alignment

7. Communication Lessons Learned (5–7 min)

• Importance of plain language / lexicon-based messaging

• Avoiding over-alerting while maintaining awareness

• Differentiating internal operational alerts vs. public messaging

• Role of the PIO in managing messaging cadence

8. Coalition Coordination & Regional Takeaways (5–7 min)

• Importance of pre-established relationships with bomb squads

• Shared protocols across healthcare facilities

• Opportunities for coalition-wide standardization (e.g., threat cards, messaging templates)

• Mutual aid and information sharing during incidents

9. Next Steps & Recommendations (3–5 min)

• Ongoing training and micro-drills (e.g., bomb threat call handling)

• Integration into EOP Annex A.2 / A.10

• Future exercises (tabletop or functional)

• Continuous improvement via AAR/IP process

10. Q&A / Discussion (Remaining time)