Basic Level Pre-Course Reading

Chapter 5
Control the Situation
5. CONTROL THE SITUATION
After completing this chapter, participants will be able to:
• describe how to safely perform scene size-up;
• describe Inner (safety) and Outer (security) perimeters and Cold, Warm, and Hot Zones;
• describe how to help/control contaminated victims;
• describe how to establish and execute Emergency Washdown procedures; and,
• describe the Decontamination process.
This chapter describes tasks associated with the evaluation of a potential CBRN scene.
It then addresses factors critical to establishing an orderly response.
5.1 Safe Scene Size-Up
Responders are accustomed to evaluating a scene upon arrival at an incident. They
are trained to observe, quantify the job requirements, and protect themselves and
others from threats. When it is known that the incident involves a CBRN agent, essential
information must be collected. A reporting guide for emergency call centres is found in
Annex B.
When conducting the size-up, it is most important not to rush in as responders often do.
Stop and proceed carefully. Commit minimum resources and minimize their exposure.
Identify an escape route in case the situation suddenly deteriorates. Pay particular
attention to casualties (how many, type and severity of symptoms). Warn other
responders. Beware of secondary devices and the possible presence of a perpetrator.
Wear PPE. In the absence of PPE, use time, distance and natural shielding, to limit
exposure.
Approach the Scene from an Uphill/ Upwind Direction.
• Why uphill? Toxic materials will flow away from you. Elevation protects from
pockets of toxic vapours and gases that are heavier than air.
• Why upwind? The agent should be blown away from responders if potential
sources of contamination are upwind. Consider the points discussed regarding
weather.
It will help to have a clear understanding of the factors that contribute to spreading
contamination. Consider the following:
Weather is a major factor – wind speed and direction, air stability, temperature,
precipitation, and cloud cover are among the factors which determine where and how
contamination travels and how long it will remain a hazard.
• Wind speeds under 8 kph tend to disperse a cloud evenly, creating a circular or
oval hazard area around the release site. At wind speeds above 8 kph, the cloud
CBRN First Responder Training Program
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Basic Level Course