Awareness and preparedness of first responders regarding chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive (CBRNE) disaster management of a tertiary medical institute in South India: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND: In case of a CBRNE catastrophe, junior doctors (first responders) will be the first to respond to the CBRNE disaster, so they should be fully equipped with the knowledge and skills of managing CBRNE casualties and preventing the endangerment of lives. OBJECTIVES: To assess the awareness and preparedness of first responders in medical institutions regarding CBRNE casualties’ management and to explore the perceptions of first responders towards CBRNE disaster management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a mixed methods study which was conducted during the months of January to March 2020 among 153 study participants. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted along with free listing and pile sorting till data saturation. Data entry was done in an Excel sheet and data analysis was be done using SPSS software v. 21. RESULTS: Out of the 153 participants only 37 participants (24.1%) had ever heard about the term “CBRNE” (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear disasters) or “hazmat” (hazardous material). At the end of FGDs, participants could answer affirmatively that they had heard the term “decontamination” of CBRNE casualties. Very few participants could ambiguously explain the meaning of the term “decontamination” in the context of CBRNE casualty. CONCLUSION: There is an imperative need for enhancing not only knowledge and awareness, but also proper training for first responders to utilizing simulation sessions. This is particularly important as health care professionals are the first line of defence when it comes to identifying and treating patients that have come into contact with CBRNE hazards.