The abbreviation IED is derived from the English term “improvised explosive device” and means unconventional explosive or incendiary device (IED). These dangerous devices are often disguised as normal everyday objects. They are placed in a package, rucksack or suitcase, for example. These explosive devices can also be found under or in vehicles.

Over-the-counter materials such as pesticides are often used to chemically produce such IEDs. IEDs are very dangerous because they are chemically unstable, unconventional and often difficult to detect. In order to counter this danger, it is essential to train defusing using realistic IED dummies.