Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 2
CBRN Response Overview
2.3.3 Control of Situation
Taking control of the situation is a Key Response Task that will reduce the overall
impact of a CBRN incident. This task includes:
• establishing inner (safety) and outer (security) perimeters;
• establishing safe gathering points for casualties and witnesses;
• establishing communications between all responder groups;
• using the “bullhorn” technique to direct contaminated casualties; and,
• conducting Emergency Washdown.
See Chapter 5 for more details.
2.3.4 Casualty Management
First responders with Basic Level CBRN training can perform the following
casualty management tasks as part of the Response Stage:
• initiate CBRN incident triage;
• ensure that potentially contaminated casualties have undergone Emergency
Washdown (at a minimum) before treatment;
• provide immediate treatment to casualties on scene;
• ensure that casualties have been decontaminated before transport;
• transport casualties to medical facility for definitive care;
• collect the names of people involved for follow-up;
• advise and counsel victims;
• give out health-related information to health care providers and public; and,
• assess short and long-term health effects with appropriate response (e.g.
order for evacuation, boil water advisory, etc.).
See Chapter 6 for more details.
2.3.5 Communication
Communication is critical for an effective response to all types of incidents. This
is especially true of a CBRN incident where resources are likely to be stretched
and many services and agencies are likely to be involved. Some of the important
communications tasks are:
• relaying status reports (hazard changes, affected persons, estimated size of
affected area, wind direction, etc.);
• maintaining communications between responder groups;
• updating emergency call centre operators and mobilizing additional expertise
and resources;
CBRN First Responder Training Program 12 Basic Level Course