Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 3
CBRN Assessment and Incident Recognition
3.4.2 Suspicious Package Guidelines
The following guidelines are intended to offer basic elements of managing a
suspicious package incident. Local agencies are encouraged to ensure that their
own protocols contain the listed considerations.
1) Manage the Package
• Note location, size, description, state of suspect package. Opened or
unopened?
• DO NOT shake, empty, or open the item.
• Leave it where it is.
2) Secure the Scene
• Close doors and windows, turn off HVAC.
• Do not enter the immediate area.
• Do not use radios or cellular phones near the package.
3) Manage Affected Persons
• Consider Emergency Washdown
• Reassure by explaining what can be expected to occur within the
response.
• Gather data – information from persons on-scene.
• Require potentially contaminated persons to remain in a separate room by
themselves until advised by the appropriate authority.
4) Request Additional Resources
• Determine lead agency.
• Decontaminate scene/responder/equipment.
• Conduct sampling/identification.
• Mitigate.
Thinking Question
Does your agency have suspicious package guidelines? If so, what are they?
CBRN First Responder Training Program
30
Basic Level Course