Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Basic Officer Certification Practice Exam

What is the most common delivery method of a bomb threat?

1. Called into the media

2. By phone at the facility

3. By email at the facility

4. Delivered in person to the facility

The correct answer is: By phone at the facility

The most common delivery method of a bomb threat is by phone at the facility. This method is prevalent because it allows the caller to remain anonymous, and the immediate nature of a phone call can create a heightened sense of urgency that may induce panic. The direct communication allows the individual making the threat to speak to a person who is responsible for security, thereby amplifying the potential impact of the threat. Moreover, phone calls may provide the caller with an opportunity to engage with the receiver, which can make it easier to convey their message, whether for psychological effect or coercion. Security personnel are trained to respond to such calls with specific protocols to ensure the safety of the facility and its occupants, making the understanding of this common method crucial in the healthcare security context. Other options, while possible, tend to be less common due to factors like the risks of traceability and slower response times. Email threats may be easier to trace back to a source, while delivering a threat in person carries significant risk for the individual attempting to execute it. Calling into the media may spread fear, but it does not directly threaten the facility in the same manner as a call made to the facility itself.