Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear Incidents

GETTING PREPARED

Actions during a CBRN accident depend on many factors (type, quantity and purity of the CBRN factor, method of dispersion, space, weather conditions etc).

Therefore they are not the same for each case. Nevertheless the general actions recommended are summarized below:

• Limit your presence in the dangerous environment and therefore your exposure to the CBRN factor.
• Remove the CBRN factor from your body.
• Move away from the place of the accident and stay in a safe place.
• Follow the instructions given by the competent authorities and collaborate with their staff.

Listed below you will find the general instructions which should be followed until specific instructions are given by the authorities. You can also take a look at the technological hazards instructions.

If you find yourself in a place where a CBRN factor is released

• Stay calm. Do not panic.
• If the accident takes place outdoors, move away on foot without touching anything. Do not get off too far and do not make use of public or private transport (buses, metro, tram, taxi, cars, bicycles etc). Such behavior could result in a broader dispersion of the dangerous factor to the public transport means and the general public. The spread of the problem could make it more difficult for you to get help.
• If the accident takes place indoors, turn off ventilation and heating systems, and the central ones, get out of the building and wait for the authorities.
• Seek shelter in the nearest undamaged building. In case of an outdoor explosion, staying or finding shelter indoors reduces your CBRN exposure.
• Once in a “safe” place, take off your clothes as soon as possible. Take the clothes off carefully in a way that you don’t expose more to the CBRN factors the sensitive parts and reception organs of your body (the eyes, nose and mouth). Shower with plenty of water by yourself or, even better, in couples in order to clean the difficult parts of the body (behind the ears, eyes, armpits etc).Put the clothes in a plastic bag that closes tightly.
• If it is not possible to take off as many clothes as possible (and if weather permits), wait for the authorities who will take care of your decontamination.
• Be prepared that

• 1) You or someone else will take off your clothes (by tearing or cutting some of them). You will have to stand naked in front of strangers or people that you are familiar with. This is necessary for your best possible health protection.
  2) If you wear jewelry or carry with you objects with personal value, be prepared to give them to the decontamination staff.

• If you have children or babies they will be allowed to be with you during the decontamination procedure.
• Cooperate with the authorities’ staff tasked with the response to the incident for the best possible outcome (the best condition of your health). Follow the instructions given and don’t disagree.
• Do not be surprised to see that the decontamination staff wears protective uniforms you don’t have.  Their protection is necessary to ensure the best possible assistance to you.
• Do not forget to report to the authorities anything that you have observed.

If you have been exposed to a CB factor without being aware of it

• It is possible that you have symptoms as if you had the flu or caught a cold, such as fever, cough, stomach or muscle pains etc (i.e. biological factor) or as if you exposed yourself to a toxic chemical substance (e.g. mustard gas, pesticide).
• Follow carefully the competent authorities’ information - if there was any- and see if you meet the requirements mentioned in the bulletins. Otherwise inform the authorities.
• Call your personal doctor or the medical services and do not show up in any medical help centre (hospital, private practice) without informing first.

Competent authorities

• ELAS Hellenic Police
• Fire Service