Abstract
A trusted vehicle such as an ambulance could be used as part of a terrorist plot to help deliver a vehicle borne improvised explosive device to its intended target. Such a vehicle being used in this manner is called a ‘Trojan’ vehicle. Examples of such use exist from other countries worldwide and it is not unreasonable to think that this type of terrorism attack could be used in this country. Drastic mitigation measures have been used abroad to prevent this form of terrorist attack from occurring; however, these can cause delay to patient care and hospital access. In this country more simple security measures (such as those used to prevent theft of property) can be utilised to mitigate against this type of attack, and paramedics, along with the wider ambulance sector, have a role to play in implementing such security measures and preventing such an attack.
By using a vehicle such as an ambulance that is recognised and trusted, terrorists can gain access to areas that are otherwise off limits to most vehicles. “Trojan vehicles” have been used by terrorist groups in other parts of the world to deliver vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) (Barishansky and Jaskoll, 2005).
What makes an ambulance a good Trojan vehicle?
An ambulance vehicle with blue lights illuminated and with its siren sounding is generally permitted access to locations other traffic may be barred from, and using that access detonates at its target. To achieve maximum casualties and confusion, a Trojan ambulance could be used to “attend” a pre-planned terrorist incident in order to target the emergency services who have responded. An ambulance could also be used to house a static VBIED outside premises as the initial security response to checking suspect vehicles may be delayed, believing the vehicle to be genuine. While there is no intelligence to suggest that this is more likely a method than any other, it is common sense to attempt to mitigate against this threat, and the paramedic profession has a key role to play in this mitigation.
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