Anti-terrorism PTSD homeland security response scenarios using modeling and simulation

The globalization of terrorism has become more complex. The complexity stems from a blend of cultural, economic, geopolitical, historical trauma, or religious factors that often fuel these seemingly senseless acts. Internationally, Homeland Security efforts have focused attention on preventing and responding to these incidents when they occur. A significant part of the pre-planning process is risk assessment and risk management for the certainties that are expected to be encountered in the aftermath of terrorism. Strategies for pre-planning responses must also reduce the psychological impact of terrorism. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) functions as an unwanted clinical and forensic consequence of these acts. Research demonstrates that not everyone experiencing a life-threatening event goes on to develop PTSD. However, individuals exposed to acts of terrorism are comparatively more vulnerable to developing PTSD. Modeling and simulation (M & S) technology has been used to address a wide range of issues related to terrorism. M & S technology efforts (e.g., exposure therapy) can be used in the evidenced-based assessment and intervention process associated with PTSD. This paper proposes to conceptually explore options for using modeling and simulation as part of a virtual antiterrorism systematic training method for Homeland Security personnel (i.e., first and secondary responders) in response to potential PTSD causalities following an incident.