Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear
Regardless of cause, the release of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials affecting, or with the potential to affect Northern Ireland is likely to have a significant impact on health and social care.
Background
Any event has the potential to require:
- the immediate redistribution of health and social care services
- the need to provide urgent assistance to victims and first responders from emergency services at the scene
- clear and regular health and social care advice to the wider general public
In dealing with such events, DoH and wider health and social care organisations have a number of specific CBRN preparedness and response arrangements in place. These include:
- the stockpiling of pharmaceutical medical and surgical equipment and related consumables
- participation in the development, exercising and evaluation of multi-agency plans
- the establishment of mutual aid and communication agreements