2. Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release
and (initiate first) respond(ers)
Presentation4.1: Identify possibleCBRN releases by asking the right questions
3. At an earlystage it isdifficultto establish if a
CBRNincident ishappening.
Important: identify possiblereleasesby asking
the right questions
3
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
4. 1
2
Identify the likelihood of a possible CBRN release
Knowing which information to share with the Chain of Command
4
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
5. Setting
• Information flow
1. Civilian calls the emergency number or reports to police (on the street)
2. First responder arriving at incident reports to dispatch officer / back-up
3. Dispatch officer sends out (additional) first responders
5
1 2
3
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
6. Firstalert
6
Four W's
Who is calling?
name, location, home address, phone number,
occupation, age etc
What is happening? fire, explosion, liquid spill, gas leakage, etc.
Where is it happening? in/outdoors, industrial, agricultural, urban areas, etc.
When is it happening? start of incident, time frame, or progression
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
7. Firstalert
METHANE
Major incident Scale of incident; what happened?
Exact location Accurate description of the location
Type incident Explosion, collapsed building, traffic incident, etc.
Hazards What (CBRN) hazards are present or could occur?
Access To what extent and how is the area accessible?
Number of casualties Estimation of number and type of casualties
Emergency services What services are already present and who is needed?
7
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
8. Likelihoodand impactof possiblerelease
• By asking the right questions confirm or discard pieces of the puzzle
• that give insight in the likelihood that a CBRN-incident is happening
• that give insight in the impact of a CBRN-release
• Start with the obvious observations and then ask for more details
8
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
9. Obvious observables-"What do yousee?"
• Warning signs/pictograms
• Indications of an improvised lab
• Colour of smoke and strange smells
• Abandoned boxes/suitcases/briefcases/spray bottles etc.
• Vapour or mist, oily droplets or film on surfaces of water
• Withered vegetation, dead or distressed animals
• Casualties
9
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
10. Casualties
• People with
• eye irritation, pin-point pupils, skin irritation or burns, runny nose,
respiratory problems, nausea, sweating, disoriented, vomiting, twitching,
convulsions
• More than two collapsed with no physical injuries
• Respiratory problems without a fire present or visible smoke
• Group hysteria as an origin of mild not very clear symptoms
• Caller and injured people
• Injured or dead perpetrators
10
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
11. Location
• Sort of location, e.g. railway, metro, tourist attraction, prestigious building
• High number of people
• Industrial area
• Improvised labs
• Cannabis greenhouse
• Water sources
11
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
12. Weatherand dispersion
• Wind and rain
• Wind direction
• Rain
• Temperature
• Structures
• Season
12
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
13. Information todisseminatethrough the Chain of
Command
• METHANE, four W's information AND your findings beyond a normal
incident
• Responders/dispatchers should gather the required information as a
priority (on arrival at the scene)
• Lack of one piece of information should not delay initial reporting
• Injured or dead perpetrators
• Regular updates
13
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
14. Takehome message
• Querying more thoroughly than using your normal set of questions may
reveal essential information from a CBRN-perspective
• METHANE, four W's information AND your findings beyond a normal
incident
• Responders/dispatchers should gather the required information as a
priority (on arrival at the scene)
• It gives insight about the likelihood that a CBRN-incident is happening and
the impact if it is actually happening
14
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
15. Thank you for your attention
15
MELODY Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Editor's Notes
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Module 4.1: First alert
Result:: Introduction into MELODY curriculum
Instructions for the trainer: Starting slide
Next: Go to next slide.
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: MELODY logo
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questionss
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Presentation 4.1: Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right question
Result:: Introduction into MELODY curriculum
Instructions for the trainer: Explain that this presentation involves:
Identifiy possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions to the person who makes the call,
including issues such as meteo, wind, symptoms, and knowing which information to share with chain of command (escalation protocol).
Next: Go to next slide.
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: MELODY logo
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questionss
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: -
Result: trainees become aware that gathering information and asking the proper questions in the initial phase of an incident if of vital importance.
Instructions for the trainer:
Explain that
In the early stages of an incident, it may be difficult to establish whether it is a CBRN event
Therefore, it is important to identify the possibility that a CBRN release is taking place, or could have taken place, and the possible impact and scale,
by asking the right questions of the person(s) who report the incident.
Next: Go to next slide.
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: -
Picture source & IP: EU: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questionss
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: -
Result: trainees can identify which two subjects are addressed in topic 4.1
Instructions for the trainer:
Explain that two subjects are addressed
1. Identify the likelihood of a possible CBRN release by asking questions of the person(s) involved.
2. Knowing which information to share with the Chain of Command(escalation protocol).
The focus of the Melody Training Curriculum#: 4.1: First alert is on the CBRN-aspect only and it is assumed that all regular information exchange protocols are in place.
Next: Go to next slide.
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: -
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Setting
Result: trainees know the context and setting that is addressed in topic 4.1
Instructions for the trainer:
Explain that (at least) three different settings can be imagined for information exchange
1. civilian reports an incident to a dispatch officer or to a police officer on the street
2. first responder arriving at an incident reports to a dispatch officer or back-up
3. dispatch officer sends out (additional) first responders
The person mentioned last in these three settings is the one who asks the 'right questions' and is the more 'CBRN-trained' person
On the slide they are represented by the icons on the bottom line
Next: Go to next slide.
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration:
Picture source & IP: EU:
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Slide (number/out of): 6 / 15
Result: trainees learn that ordinary information obtained through protocols like the four W’s or METHANE can have added value within a CBRN-context
Instructions for the trainer:
It is assumed that all normal information exchange protocols are in place
Point out that these normal information exchange protocols include words like 'location', 'number of casualties', 'indoors/ outdoors' etc.
These items may reveal crucial information (i.e. have added value) from the perspective of a (possible) CBRN release.
Also point out that these questions can only be answered by the caller(s) own observations - what they can see, hear, smell etc.
Next: go to next slide
References for additional information: https://www.jesip.org.uk/methane
See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETHANE
Depicted illustration: -
Picture source & IP: EU: EU
Text source & IP: https://www.jesip.org.uk/methane MELODY
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Topic: 4.1 Asking the right questions
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Slide (number/out of): 7 / 15
Title slide: First alert
Result: trainees learn that ordinary information obtained through protocols like the four W’s or METHANE can have added value within a CBRN-context
Instructions for the trainer:
It is assumed that all normal information exchange protocols are in place
Point out that these normal information exchange protocols include words like 'location', 'number of casualties', 'indoors/ outdoors' etc.
These items may reveal crucial information (i.e. have added value) from the perspective of a (possible) CBRN release.
Also, point out that these questions can only be answered by the caller(s) own observations - what they can see, hear, smell etc
Next: go to next slide
References for additional information: https://www.jesip.org.uk/methane
See also: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETHANE
Depicted illustration: N/A
Picture source & IP: N/A
Text source & IP: https://www.jesip.org.uk/methane MELODY
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Likelihood and impact of possible release
Result: trainees learn about a possible way to organize questions
Instructions for the trainer:
Explain to the trainees that:
- (of course) you ask questions to rule out or confirm issues that influence your next actions
- these issues are the pieces of the puzzle depicting the situation at hand
- each piece of the puzzle says something about
the likelihood that a CBRN event is happening in the first place
whether a CBRN release is likely to be intentional or unintentional,
what factors at the scene could make such a release worse, or lessen the impact of a release
- when asking questions never skip the usual approach and common practice but go beyond when a CBRN event is suspected
Next: Go to next slide
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration:
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Obvious observables
Result: trainees become aware which normal observables may hold CBRN-information
Instructions for the trainer:
Explain to the trainees that
when asking about "what do you see?“ to discover the obvious observables, be aware:
that warning signs/pictograms for CBRN-agents, "MELODY 2.3.2 Dangerous goods and UN codes' contain crucial information, when found at legitimated and organised facilities. These signs can be found on vehicles, doors, glassware, containers etc.
that warning signs/pictograms for CBRN-agents at illegal facilities likely indicate the presence of CBRN materials, but not necessary the ones indicated by the signs
of indications for an improvised lab as mentioned in 'MELODY 2.3.3 Recognize production'
that the colour of smoke is valuable information to experts, but is not directly linked to its toxicity, that strange smells could indicate a release of C, but it does not necessarily mean a health threat
that deliberate abandoned boxes/suitcases/briefcases/spray bottles etc could be the source of the CBRN-agent
unexplained vapour or mist clouds, oily droplets or film on surfaces of water could indicate a CBRN-release
vegetation or animals can of course also be affected by a CBRN exposure, and even some animals are more sensitive to CBRN than humans, e.g. the use of canaries in coal mines
casualties on next slide
Next: Go to next slide
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: A canary used in coal mines to detect carbon monoxide
Picture source & IP: https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/custom/HeritageTrail/museum_cannock.html, UK.gov. /public domain
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Casualties
Result: trainees become aware which symptoms( or the amount) could indicate a CBRN incident
Instructions for the trainer:
Explain to the trainees that
when asking about the casualties be aware that
many people showing eye irritation, pin-point pupils, skin irritation or burns, runny nose, respiratory problems, nausea, sweating, disorientation, vomiting, twitching/convulsions is a strong indication for a CBRN release
unusual location or an unusual combination of collapsed people could indicate a CBRN cause
more than two collapsed people with no physical injuries could indicate a CBRN cause. Especially in confined spaces like basements, large industrial vessels, never enter without proper PPE.
people with respiratory problems without a fire present or visible smoke is a strong indication of a CBRN release
many people with only mild not very clear symptoms of nausea, dizziness could also indicate group hysteria
Symptoms of exposure to a biological or radiological incident may not be present within the first minutes or even hours of an incident.
Chemical incidents are often, but not always, accompanied by a more rapid onset of symptoms.
Caller should remain near the scene
caller might be contaminated since caller was close to the scene, could have touched victims
caller and injured people might have left the scene while contaminated thereby spreading the agent
caller may have seen the perpetrators and be an important witness
The caller could move to a location at least 50m up wind. However, there is a risk in the latter that nobody follows up with any medical care of evidence gathering from them
You can start a discussion on how to treat injured or dead perpetrators:
as first responder what do you do? stay with them? leave to a safe distance and observe them, help them?
are you willing to take an additional risk due to the present of a CBRN-agent on top of "normal" risks while guarding?
Next: Go to next slide
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: -
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Location
Result: trainees become aware of the relevance and importance and of the location for a possible CBRN incident
Instructions for the trainer:
Tell trainees about the consequences linked to the actual location where the incident takes place:
railway station, metro/underground, tourist attraction, prestigious buildings etc - are more likely to be targeted by a terroristic attack - could make normal objects that regularly contain CBRN-agents suspicious e.g. a chlorine tank truck under the Eifel Tower
a possible high number of people present or in the immediate vicinity means - impact of a release is large (more victims, cross contamination, decon, possible panic etc.) - crowd control is needed - more likely to be a terroristic attack
industrial location means presence of CBRN materials and the risk of a CBRN release
improvised lab means CBRN presence very likely (and booby traps)
large cannabis growing facility usually does not mean a high risk for CBRN presence. Possible flow of carbon dioxide is deployed, which imposes a risk. Other risks are dangerous electrical wiring and booby traps
Water sources are very useful as a first aid (rinsing with any water, from rivers, brooks is better than no rinsing)
Next: Go to next slide
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: Town canal, a crowd, The Eiffel Tower
Picture source & IP:
"Westport town Canal" by Evil Genius Society: Share the world... is licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. https://www.flickr.com/photos/77992018@N00/457508122
"Leeds Crowd" by Chris Robertshaw is licensed with CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/
Eiffel tower https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tour_Eiffel_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg,
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Weather and dispersion
Result: trainees become aware what factors could influence a CBRN scene and which are important to mention in their report
Instructions for the trainer:
When asking about the weather be aware that
the actual weather greatly influences the number of people being outside
wind direction is needed to safely work, save and minimise the risk of exposure and to set up the hot, warm and cold zones
wind direction is needed for safe access routes to the scene for the first 1 -2 km around the scene
decontamination of people is usually done with water and outside, making people wet when it is not a warm day could be a serious risk of hypothermia
Dispersion
At the incident location no wind or rain means a higher likely exposure than with strong wind or rain. In case of a fire, the higher the temperature of the smoke, the lower the local concentration of the agent. Fighting a fire could thus lead to an increase of local air concentrations
Confined spaces like tunnels, railway stations, metro/underground have a great influence on how the dispersion of the agent evolves (generally, negative from FRs point of view)
Presence of walls, hills, rivers, buildings, streets greatly influences the dispersion, e.g. the initial direction of the plume on the photo differs with the overall direction
Winter nights versus summer days: CBRN concentrations in air can stay much higher over longer distance during a winter night, with often stable weather and a low boundary layer, than during a summer day, which often has convective weather systems that dilute the cloud
Next: Go to next slide
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: decontamination street deployed during an exercise, Model calculation of ammonia dispersion in urban environment,
Picture source & IP: RIVM, http://chemeng.technion.ac.il/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Jacques-MOUSSAFIR.pdf jmoussafir@aria.fr
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Information to disseminate through the chain of command
Result: trainees learn about information to be passed to their Chain of Command
Instructions for the trainer:
Knowing which information to share with chain of command (escalation protocol).
which information should be rerouted to whom?
METHANE can be used as a system of reporting.
First responders should gather the required information as soon as possible and report it to their dispatch centre and other agencies.
Responders/dispatchers should gather the required information as a priority (on arrival at the scene)
The lack of one piece of information should not delay initial reporting.
SITREP updates should be provided at regular intervals, or whenever further or updated information becomes available.
Injured or dead perpetrators through FR actions, or already found injured or dead on arrival
If they escaped, then a description of them is essential to circulate to all responders.
Next: A small table-top exercise will be executed in 4.2
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: -
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Take home message
Result: trainees become aware that more thorough questioning can have added value from a CBRN perspective
Instructions for the trainer:
Wrap up by stating that:
Querying more thoroughly using your normal set of questions may reveal essential information from a CBRN -perspective
hence give insight in the likelihood that a CBRN-incident is happening and the impact if it is happening
Next: Go to next slide
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: -
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
Module: 4: First alert
Melody Presentation: 4.1 Identify possible CBRN releases by asking the right questions
Learning objective: To recognize signs of a potential CBRN release and initiate first responder(s)
Title slide: Thank you for your attention
Result: trainees and trainer wrap up this part of the curriculum and can enter the next topic.
Instructions for the trainer: Time for questions or remarks
Next: final slide
References for additional information: -
Depicted illustration: -
Picture source & IP: EU
Text source & IP: MELODY consortium
Version Curriculum: 2.1
