CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear)

Regardless of cause, the release of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear or CBRN materials in or affecting Northern Ireland is likely to have a significant health and social care impact. 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 the emergency services at the scene; and for clear and regular health and social care advice to the wider general public.

In dealing with such events, DHSSPS 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 response plans; and the establishment of mutual aid and communication agreements.