CBRN(E) Initial Operational Response (PN 891)

Question 1

What is METHANE?

Answer 1

A multi agency mnemonic used when contacting a control from (to formulate a Message) it is also a chemical compound which is the main constituent in most natural gases.

Question 2

What does IOR stand for?

Answer 2

Initial Operational Response

Question 3

What is the initial cordon for a CBRN Incident?

Answer 3

25 Meters

Question 4

If a responder has ‘potentially’ been contaminated through contact with a casualty at a CBRN incident what must they do?

Answer 4

Stay within the warm zone, disrobe and undertake the same decontamination process established for public casualties.

Question 5

Following contamination and subsequent Decon of Personnel at a CBRN incident what should be followed upon return to station?

Answer 5

Standard LFB accident reporting procedures

Question 6

What does M in the mnemonic METHANE stand for?

Answer 6

Major incident declared

Question 7

There are 7 visual indicators for a CBRN incident listed in the note, can you name 5?

Answer 7

1) Dead or distressed people or animals
2) Multiple people not well ( with skin, eye, airway, nausea, vomiting, sweats, twitching, convulsions, pin point pupils and runny nose problems)
3) Hazardous materials present
4) Unexplained vapour or mist clouds
5) Unexplained oily films on surfaces or water
6) Withered plant life and vegetation
7) Odd smells or tastes

Question 8

What does the E in the CBRN mnemonic METHANE stand for?

Answer 8

Exact location

Question 9

What should IC’s look out for first? (2)

Answer 9

Secondary Devices

b) Perpetrators still on Scene

Question 10

What does JESIP stand for?

Answer 10

Joint Emergency Service Interoperability Principles

Question 11

Which ‘symptoms of exposure’ are more likely to have a rapid onset, Biological, Radiological or Chemical?

Answer 11

Chemical

Question 12

What does T stand for in the CBRN mnemonic METHANE?

Answer 12

Type of Incident

Question 13

Once it is a confirmed CBRN incident what 3 additional things will Brigade Control need to ascertain? (3)

Answer 13

a) Number of persons requiring Decontamination
b) RVP and Decon Locations
c) Wind Speed/direction and Hazard Zones

Question 14

What does H stand for in the CBRN mnemonic METHANE?

Answer 14

Hazards

Question 15

What must be deployed at the earliest opportunity at CBRN incident?

Answer 15

Radiation Equipment carried on front line Appliances, Personnel must wear EPD’s and use Radiation Survey Meters to establish Cordon distances.

Question 16

What does A stand for in the CBRN mnemonic METHANE?

Answer 16

Access and Egress

Question 17

What additional consideration does the IC have when establishing an RVP at a CBRN incident?
.

Answer 17

A safe approach

Question 18

What does N stand for in the CBRN mnemonic METHANE?

Answer 18

Number of casualties

Question 19

How should cordons be marked?

Answer 19

Barrier tape

Question 20

What does E stand for in the CBRN mnemonic METHANE?

Answer 20

Emergency Services required

Question 21

Can you list 5 of the 9 things that the Brigade Control will have advised callers from a CBRN incident ‘in the open air’ to do?

Answer 21

a) Move away from the source
b) Assist others who are injured or less able
c) Avoid eating, drinking, smoking or touching face and eyes
d) Remove outer clothing without pulling it overhead
e) Use absorbent tissue to blot and then rub exposed skin
f) Washe with water if substance seems caustic ( itching or pain)
g) Move upwind and uphill
h) Avoid seeking hospital care
i) Await emergency services and follow instruction

Question 22

What 3 additional instruction might Brigade Control have given to callers from a CBRN incident within a building?

Answer 22

1) Evacuate affected area and consider using fire alarm system
2) Consider Exit Route, majority of gases are heavier than air
3) Consider shutting down air con fans and air recirculation systems

Question 23

If IOR is implemented what message should be sent?

Answer 23

‘Priority Message this is a confirmed level 3 Hazmat, IOR implemented’

Question 24

What type of message is METHANE use for?

Answer 24

Situation Reports ( these should be regular and logged)

Question 25

At a CBRN incident what is the most effective measure to save life and improve casualty outcomes?

Answer 25

Rapid Evacuation followed by immediate disrobing and Decontamination

Question 26

Where should the IC in Liaison with other emergency Service Commanders ensure?

Answer 26

RVP

Question 27

When an IC selects ‘an area of relative safety’ for casualties to be directed to what 2 qualifying factors should it ideally have?

Answer 27

Up wind

Uphill

Question 28

What equipment may be utilised at a CBRN incident to alleviate the need to commit responders into Hazard areas and direct casualties to ‘self evacuate?’

Answer 28

Loud hailer/Tannoy Systems

Question 29

At CBRN incidents Committing a minimum number of responders by encouraging self evacuation and good communication are essential, what 6 considerations are listed in the note when communicating with casualties?

Answer 29

1) Nature of incident and help is on the way.
2) What services are doing and how it will help
3) Medical assistance is coming so don’t leave the scene
4) To follow advice given
5) Those more Capable should assist others
6) Locating the communicator somewhere they can be heard

Question 30

At a CBRN incident who has the primary responsibility for rescues?

Answer 30

LFB

Question 31

At a CBRN incident are conscious or unconscious casualties regarded as a high priority for Rescue?

Answer 31

Breathing and Conscious but unable to walk should be regarded as a high priority

Question 32

During the IOR phase of a CBRN incident, where a chemical, biological or radiological agent is suspected, what level of PPE is required within the hot zone?

Answer 32

GTCPS

Question 33

What does GTCPS stand for?

Answer 33

Gas Tight Chemical Protection Suit

Question 34

What should be provided to casualties at a CBRN incident as soon as possible and why?

Answer 34

Disrobe packs as the disrobe process is highly effective at reducing the effect of CBRN materials

Question 35

If a casualty at a CBRN incident has disrobed is it always necessary to decontaminated them?

Answer 35

Yes unless medical advise is received to the contrary

Question 36

Dry Decon at a CBRN chemical incident should always be considered unless?

Answer 36

The agent appears to be caustic

Question 37

The Ambulance Service is the clinical lead for Decontamination at a CBRN incident, should LFB ICs await the arrival of LAS for direction before instigating Decontamination?

Answer 37

No

Question 38

The Statutory duties of the LFB at a CBRN incident are found within which statutory instruments?

Answer 38

Fire and Rescue Services Act Emergencies ( England) order 2007 and the memorandum of Understanding between the DCLG and the DH