Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 1

Responder Actions

Objectives

Students will be able to:• Describe actions appropriate to the operations

level of training and equipment in response to an incident involving NBC (CBRNE) Weapons

• Identify the correct response based upon the considerations provided during the class

What agents may be used?

• Chemical

• Biological

• Radiological

• Nuclear

• Explosive

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 2

OSHA Operations Requirements

• Understand basic hazard and risk assessment techniques

• Select and use proper Operations Level PPE• Understand basic HAZMAT terms• Perform basic defensive control, containment,

and confinement • Implement emergency decontamination• Understand SOPs and termination procedures

Differences between HazMat and NBC (CBRNE) Incidents

• Mass casualties (isolation and control)• Fast reacting toxic chemical agents• Need for rapid decon to reduce exposure• Crime scene• Major resource requirements• Need for control of vapors downwind• Mass media

DP/HMERP UNIT

The Scene of a CBRNE IncidentThe Scene of a CBRNE Incident

Why would one think its different than a HazMat response?Why would one think its different than a HazMat response?

If you are not trained and properly equipped to handle a HazMat If you are not trained and properly equipped to handle a HazMat incident,incident,forget about a CBRNE incident.forget about a CBRNE incident.

Who handles a crime scene?Who handles a crime scene?Remember, a terrorist incident is a criminal act and must be hanRemember, a terrorist incident is a criminal act and must be handled that way.dled that way.

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 3

DP/HMERP UNIT

IN OTHER WORDS...IN OTHER WORDS...

HAZMAT RESPONSE PROTOCOLHAZMAT RESPONSE PROTOCOL++ LAW ENFORCEMENT OVERSIGHTLAW ENFORCEMENT OVERSIGHT

= = WMD (CBRNE) INCIDENTWMD (CBRNE) INCIDENT

The Golden Rule of Crime Scenes

• Golden Rule: Leave it alone unless it is absolutely necessary for the performance of your duties, and law enforcement approves

• Second Rule: Do your job using the fewest personnel

Considerations:Considerations:

Evidence Collection

• Your actions and observations are very important• Everything is potential evidence • Communicate observations of evidence to other

responders and to Incident Command• Record your observations and actions as soon as

possible• Victims can provide critical evidence

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 4

Potential Indicators of CBRNE Threats

• Packages or containers placed in an unlikely or sensitive area.

• Unusual / unscheduled spraying of powders or liquids, creating a mist, droplet or cloud.

Potential Indicators

• Unexplained odors in high target areas.

• Dead animals or wild life such as: birds, fish, insects or plants.

• People displaying rashes, blisters or act in a unordinary way.

General Characteristics

• Most are heavier than air• Few are lighter than air• Vaporize easily

– Warmer Temperature: more volatile

– Colder Temperature : less volatile

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 5

Indicators of a Chemical Release

• Suspicious smells or odors which may include:– Bleach– Garlic/horseradish-like– Bitter almonds– Peach kernels– Newly mown hay/grass– Geraniums– Or any smells that would not normally occur

KEY POINTSChemical agents are super toxic, but—

– They can be detected

– One can protect oneself

– There are medical counter measures

– They can be decontaminated

Response

Training

Nuclear/Radiological Threats and Actions

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 6

DETECTION

RadioactiveSource

RadioactiveSource

NoNo YesYes

PROTECTIONPROTECTION

• Time

• Distance

• Shielding

Biological Hazards

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 7

WARNING SIGNS AND CLUES

• Abandoned spray devices

• Chemical containers or lab equipment

• Biohazard labels

Clues and Indicator Summary• If you suspect a release of a

potential agent you should:– Never approach the

device or area of release.– Maintain a safe distance

up-wind of device or release.

DOWNWIND HAZARD

• Agent cloud will move with the wind

• Individuals downwind can become victims

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 8

THE FOUR DON’TS

Don’t Assume Anything

Don’t Become a Victim

Don’t Rush In

Don’t TEST: (Taste, Eat, Smell, or

Touch)

The Four Don’ts

BE SAFE

• Assess before acting

• Focus on avoiding the hazard

• Evaluate the situation and report

KEY POINTS• Prepare to RAIN

– Recognize

– Avoid

– Isolate

– Notify

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 9

The Response Phase• Begins with site management• Ends with removal of ambulatory

victims from the hazard area• Challenges:

– Site security– Casualty rescue– Agent identification– Emergency decontamination of

people– Evidence preservation– Secondary devices

Responder Actions

• Position equipment• Isolate area

– Hot zone– Warm zone– Cold zone

• Protect self (PPE)

Responder Actions (Continued)

• Corral casualties/victims– Walking– Non-ambulatory– Rescue

• Support set-up of Decon stations– Large area– Water– Run-off– Segregated lanes– Modesty

Student Handouts NJSP HMRU

Module 2 CBRNE OPS Responder Actions 10

Responder Actions (Continued)

• Support/perform emergency Decon– Ambulatory– Non-ambulatory– Self

• First aid– First aid to decontaminated victims– T3 (Triage, Treatment, Transport)

• Assist HAZMAT team with Technical Decon

Respond Actions (Continued)

• Defensive control

• Secondary devices

• Evidence preservation

Key Points• PPE may limit the

response at the Operations Level

• Ensure safety of responders

• Initiate emergency decontamination

• Initiate defensive control techniques

• Multiple challenges