The impact of fire and rescue service first responders on participant behaviour during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)/Hazmat incidents

Abstract

PurposeDecontamination following chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN)/Hazmat incidents is a critical activity carried out in order to mitigate and contain the risk posed by any hazardous materials involved. Human behaviour plays a crucial role in such incidents, as casualties will have little understanding of the situation they find themselves in, leading to uncertainty in what actions to take. This will result in very difficult circumstances within which first responders must operate. However, the importance of human behaviour appears to be a fundamental element being missed in the preparation, training and planning assumptions being made by emergency services and planners in preparation for these events.Design/methodology/approachThis paper looks to understand the scope of this omission by reviewing relevant literature on the subject and engaging with Fire and Rescue Service personnel and managers in the UK. This study utilised semi-structured interviews with 10 Fire and Rescue Service Mass Decontamination Operatives, four Fire and Rescue Service Hazardous Material Advisers and three Fire and Rescue Service Strategic Officers participating. These interviews were then analysed using a thematic framework to identified key themes from the research which were then validated using two independent researchers to provide an inter-rater reliability measure. Finally, a follow-up validation questionnaire was also developed to test the validity of the themes identified and this was completed by another with 36 Fire and Rescue Service Mass Decontamination Operatives.FindingsBoth the literature review and interviews undertaken with emergency responders and mangers demonstrated the crucial importance of accounting for behavioural aspects in these situations especially in regards to the likely levels of compliance to be expected by responders and the potential problem of casualties not remaining at the scene of an incident to undergo decontamination.Originality/valueThis research identifies a number of key themes so far not recognized through any other research and in doing so offers insights into potential flaws in the UK Fire and Rescue Service response planning for CBRN/Hazmat incidents requiring mass decontamination. It is intended that this research will inform further study into the areas identified in order to ensure gaps in planning, training and strategies for mass decontamination operations can be more fully informed and if required allow for a more effective response.

Casualty behaviours during incidents involving hazardous materials

“…This paper also emphasises the importance of effective communication in enhancing legitimacy, competency and therefore trust which ultimately enhances cooperation. This supports previous research in this area which has identified the crucial role of communication in effectively managing casualties at a hazmat incident (Carter et al, 2013b, Carter et al, 2013c, Carter et al, 2014Carter et al, 2015;Long et al, 2020).…”

“…Long (Long et al, 2020) identifies that there is currently a gap in the training of frontline responders concerning effective communication strategies and human behaviour. Whilst improvements in this area have occurred, including an increased focus by academics (Carter et al, 2013a;Carter et al, 2013b;Carter et al, 2013c), as well as the introduction of training for mass decontamination instructors, there is still a need for further measures.…”

“…In practice this would ensure responders are trained to prioritise communication with the public and had the skills and tools to do this effectively. It's worth noting that progress has been made in this area, with the National Resilience Mass Decontamination Instructors training now including instruction on human behaviour and communications as well as National Guidance also incorporating information on this area (Carter et al, 2015;Long et al, 2020;Carter et al, 2013a;National Operational Guidance Program, 2015;Carter et al, 2016). The authors however contend that, as this paper highlights, data from a real world incident emphasises that casualty behaviour is central to all future training and guidance relating to managing large scale casualty incidents.…”

“…Members of the public are likely to experience anxiety during hazardous material incidents as people will have little to no experience or understanding of such situations and as such will have minimal knowledge with which to make choices (Long et al, 2020;Bhardwaj, 2010;Cornish, 2007). Pangi (Pangi, 2002) highlights several aspects of these types of situations that may create anxiety, including: lack of control over the situation; potential restrictions on casualties leaving the scene; and lack of understanding about actions that need to be taken.…”

“…However, a recent review of guidance for hazmat incidents highlighted that it is still based on outdated assumptions about public behaviour during these types of incidents (e.g. disorder, mass panic) rather than on evidence (Long et al, 2020). This outdated thinking is also used to inform planning assumptions, particularly those associated with the placement and deployment of specialist resources.…”