Safety and Emergency Medical Care in CBRN Mass Casualty Incidents

By Roberto Mugavero and Heejun Shin

ISBN: 978-88-6086-271-6
DOI: https://doi.org/10.23810/CEMEC-4

Emergency professionals responding to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Mass Casualty Incidents face highly complex and demanding challenges that require specialized expertise, rapid adaptability, and a high level of preparedness. These scenarios are among the most difficult in emergency medicine, calling for swift, coordinated responses, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a deep understanding of decontamination procedures and management strategies to minimize casualties and mitigate damage.

This guide provides essential strategies for delivering effective medical care while ensuring the safety of both individuals and teams in high-risk environments. It equips professionals to address the unique challenges of CBRN incidents, where conventional medical approaches may fall short due to the extreme and hazardous conditions involved.

Offering a practical framework, the guidelines focus on assessing risks in non-permissive environments, ensuring effective decision-making under pressure, clear communication, and maintaining the psychological well-being of those involved.

The content is organized into chapters that cover critical topics such as mass casualty management, personal protective measures, and psychological support for both victims and responders.

Recognizing the unique nature of these crises, which pose both immediate and long-term risks to public health, the guide also highlights best practices for interagency cooperation, resource allocation, and establishing effective command structures during emergencies.