Module 2: CBRN Basics

Topic 2.4: Arriving at the scene, basic safety, and own safety
Presentation 2.4.1: Arriving safe at the scene (access
routes, hot zone, wind direction, etc.)
Learning objective: To clarify a safe arrival procedure
 Safe arrival @ a CBRN scene
• As a first responder you are either on your way to an incident scene or you
are already there:
• What information do you have and what do you need?
• How do you recognize a CBRN scene?

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 What information do you have and need?
• Time: starting time of incident or time of alarm
• Location: address or (GPS)coordinates?
• Type of incident: chemical, biological, radiological, other…
• Victims: number of victims and type of injuries
• Weather conditions: wind direction, rain
• Anything else?

What tools do you use to gather information?

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 Example of a tool - METHANE
• METHANE is a protocol that can be used to ask the right questions to
identify the type of incident

M Major incident Scale of incident; what happened?

E Exact location Accurate description of the location

T Type of incident Explosion, collapsed building, traffic incident, etc.

H Hazards What (CBRN) hazards are present or could occur?

A Access To what extent and how is the area accessible?

N Number of casualties Estimation of number and type of casualties

E Emergency services What services are already present and who is needed?
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 Example of a tool - MIST
• MIST is a protocol that can be used to gather information regarding
victims at the scene

M Mechanisms of injury What type of incident; what happened?

I Injuries found and suspected How many are injured; what types of injuries?

S Signs What vital functions are impaired? (see also ABCD-methodology)

T Treatment given What type of medication, or other medical aid is given already?

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 How do you recognize a CBRN scene?

Hello, I am a
CBRN incident!

E M !!
KA BO

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 Examples of clues to a CBRN scene:
• Information given when the incident was first reported
• Signs and symbols (e.g. on vehicles and equipment: ADR, UN, GHS symbols)
• Environmental indicators (Strange clouds, odours, water/soil colourations)
• Victims (numbers and symptoms)
• Etc.

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 Example of a tool - 1, 2, 3 rule*
• Approach with care
Step 1 1 victim
No CBRN contamination expected

• Approach with extra care

CBRN incident possible
Step 2 2 victims
• Ask for advice using dispatch, or
through chain of command
• Do NOT approach victims
CBRN incident likely
Step 3 3 or more victims
• Call secondary responders via dispatch
or through chain of command
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 If you suspect a CBRN incident:
• If proper PPE is available: perform a (quick) risk assessment
• Assess victims: numbers and symptoms
• Assess environment: abnormal gaseous clouds, soil/water coloration)
• Escalate when necessary (higher command, specialists, etc.)
• If no proper PPE is available: escalate and keep your distance
• Escalate (higher command, specialists, etc.)
• Keep your distance and assist in coordination (e.g. in the cold zone)

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 Take home message
• Assess the incident, using protocols like:
• METHANE - identify the type of incident
• MIST - gather information on victims
• 1, 2, 3 RULE - identify possible CBRN incident
• Escalate and keep your distance if no proper PPE is available.
Perform a (quick) risk assessment if PPE is available.

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 Thank you for your attention

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