CBRN and HAZMAT

What are words used to describe different types of major incidents?

• ‘Cloud on the horizon’ - significant chemical or nuclear release developing elsewhere and need preparatory action

• ‘Headline news’ - public or media alarm about an impending situation

• ‘Big bang’ - serious transport incident, explosion or series of smaller incidents

• ‘Rising tide’ - a developing infectious disease epidemic, staffing crisis or industrial action

• ‘Internal incidents’ - Fire, breakdown of utilities, significant equipment failure

• ‘Deliberate’ - Actual or threatened dispersal of CBRN material, with deliberate criminal, malicious or murderous intent

• ‘Hazardous materials (HAZMAT)’ - accidental incident involving hazardous materials

What does CBRNe stand for?

• Chemical

• Biological

• Radiological

• Nuclear

• Explosive

Who has primacy in any CBRNe incident?

• Police

What is the LAS responsibility in CBRNe incidents?

Care for any PATIENTS

How do nerve agents work?

• Interfere with nerve signals → nerve agents act as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, prevents breakdown of acetylcholine chemical messenger → overstimulation → leads to buildup of acetylcholine chemical at nerve synapses → paralysis

What are some early signs someone has been exposed to a nerve agent?

• Pinpoint pupils

• Excessive salivation

• Sweating

• Runny nose

• Chest tightness

What are some late signs someone has been exposed to a nerve agent?

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Incontinence

• Muscle twitching

How do we use the duo-dote Auto injector? (atropine and pralidoxime chlorine)

• 4 doses in ambulance

• One for each crew and 2 pats

• Like an epi-pen → check in date → take top off and don’t put thumb on top → hold with fist around and stick in thigh → hold for 10 seconds → bend needle over and hold up or leave with patient to show has been given