MAJOR INCIDENT PLAN - NHS Cumbria

5.9 Although not formally described there may be events occurring on a national scale, forexample fuel strikes, pandemic or multiple events that require the collective capability of theNHS nationally (NHS Guidance 2005)FORMS OF A MAJOR INCIDENT5.10 Major Incidents can present in different ways, as follows:• Big Bang – a serious transport accident, explosion, or series of smaller Incidents• Rising Tide – a developing infectious disease epidemic, or a capacity/staffing crisis• Cloud on the Horizon – a serious threat such as a major chemical or nuclear releasedeveloping elsewhere and needing preparatory action• Headline news – public or media alarm about a personal threat• Internal incidents – fire, breakdown of utilities, major equipment failure, hospital acquiredinfections, violent crime• Deliberate release of chemical, biological or nuclear materials• Mass casualties• Pre-planned major events that require planning - demonstrations, sports fixtures, airshows.UNUSUAL INCIDENT5.11 Cumbria Resilience Forum also use the term “Unusual Incident”. This is an incidentwhich because of its nature or effects requires a limited multi-agency response. An UnusualIncident can be declared by any Category 1 responder (which includes the NHS Cumbria),who will then open a control room to deal with the incident, and invite selected agencies toattend. An unusual incident is any incident that is not a Major Incident but, for examples:• Has the potential to develop into a major incident, or• Involves contamination of the environment, water courses or air pollution, or• Involves evacuation or the potential evacuation of any members of the public, or• Involves major road closures, or• Involves the distribution of specific health advice to any members of the public(this does not constitute a full list of possible ‘unusual incidents’)NHS CUMBRIAMAJOR INCIDENT PLAN – FRAMEWORK FOR RESPONDING TO A MAJOR INCIDENTPAGE 17 OF 46Version 3 (Dec 2008)