Indicators of possible Chemical Agent (CW) usage:
Unusual dead or dying animals
Ø Lack of insects
Unexplained Casualties
Ø Multiple victims
Ø Serious illnesses
Ø Nausea, disorientation, difficulty breathing, convulsions
Ø Definite casualty patterns
Unusual Liquid, Spray or Vapor
Ø Droplets, oily film
Ø Unexplained odor
Ø Low-lying clouds/fog unrelated to weather
Suspicious Devices/Packages
Ø Unusual metal debris
Ø Abandoned spray devices
Ø Unexplained munitions
Indicators of possible
Biological Agent (BW) usage:
Unusual dead or dying animals
Ø Sick or dying animals, people or fish
Unusual Casualties
Ø Unusual illness for region/area
Ø Definite pattern inconsistent with natural disease
Unusual Liquid, Spray or Vapor
Ø Spraying and suspicious devices or packages
Unusual swarms of insects
LA. County Operational Area
Terrorism working Group NBC-FR-1-97
Initial Responder Actions
In cases of actual release of NBC agents first responding units must immediately take steps to protect themselves
If release is suspected:
1) Remain calm,
2) Don protective equipment (PPE)
3) From a safe vantage point, reassure victims that assistance is on the way,
4) Wait for properly equipped help at a safe location (upwind, uphill, upstream).
Safely, isolate and deny entry and make notifications (SIN).
Notification Essentials
Ø Observed NBC Indicators
Ø Wind Direction and Weather Conditions at Scene
Ø Plume Direction (direction of cloud or vapor travel)
Ø Orientation of Victims (direction, position, pattern)
Ø Number of Apparent Victims
Ø Type of Injuries, Symptoms Presented
Ø Witness Statements or Observations
Ø Nature of NBC agents (if known) from detection equipment or monitors.
Ø Exact Location of Reporting Unit
Ø Suggested Safe Access Route and Staging Area.
Incident Objectives
Ø Secure a Perimeter and designate zones or operation
Ø Control & ID Agent Release
Ø Rescue, Decon, Triage, Treat & Transport affected persons
Ø Move uninvolved crowds/persons to safe zones
Ø Stabilize the incident
Ø Avoid Secondary Contamination
Ø Secure Evidence & Crime Scene
Ø Protect Against Secondary Attack