Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 3
CBRN Assessment and Incident Recognition
The only way to recognize a biological attack will be by careful evaluation of
indicators such as:
• an unusual number of people displaying flu-like or other biological agent
exposure symptoms;
• unseasonable illness, e.g., the prevalence of flu-like symptoms in midsummer;
• unusual or unscheduled spraying;
• abandoned spraying devices; and/or,
• large numbers of people simultaneously exhibiting food poisoning symptoms
such as vomiting and diarrhea.
3.1.4 Indicators of a Radiological Attack
Terrorists can expose people to radiation by deliberately planting a radioactive
source in a public area. Dissemination of radioactive materials can be achieved
in a number of ways including the detonation of a “dirty bomb”, the deliberate
contamination of drinking water, or the use of a nuclear weapon. Terrorists could
also sabotage nuclear facilities or radiological storage sites.
It is important to stress that radioactive materials can only be detected using
radiation detection instrumentation. Only very high levels of exposure to
radiation cause any short-term effects. As a result, it may be very difficult to
recognize the terrorist use of radioactive material without intelligence indicators
(such as specific threats). However, some indicators of very high levels of
radiation exposure may include:
• localized burns with no obvious cause; and,
• significant numbers of people with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and
abnormal blood counts that are not attributable to disease or do not have an
obvious cause. (This may occur hours or even days after exposure.)
3.2 CBRN Materials: Signs and Symptoms
Any responder may be the first to arrive at a CBRN incident scene. It is critical
that all services understand the CBRN signs and symptoms that may serve as
early warning indicators for all first responders. Recognizing these early warning
signs will help save lives and prevent first responders from becoming casualties.
CBRN First Responder Training Program
18
Basic Level Course