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Discovering an Event

On the scene of an event, it important to take consider what the conditions and signs associated with the event could tell you. Is there anything unusual in what you see, and are there obvious and not-so-obvious signs that a chemical emergency is occurring or has occurred? The following notes obvious and not-so-obvious signs to look for as you assess the scene of the event:

Obvious in Real Time
Industrial accidents, fires, or explosions
Transportation accidents
Agricultural accidents
Not Obvious in Real Time
 Wildlife
Dead animals/birds/fish Not just an occasional roadkill, but numerous animals (wild and domestic, small and large), birds and fish in the same area.
Lack of insect life If normal insect activity (ground, air, and/or water) is missing, then check the ground/water surface/shore line for dead insects. If near water, check for dead fish/aquatic birds.
 Victims
Physical Symptoms Numerous individuals experiencing unexplained water-like blisters, wheals (like bee stings), pinpointed pupils, choking, respiratory ailments and/or rashes.
Mass casualties Numerous individuals exhibiting unexplained serious health problems ranging from nausea to disorientation to difficulty in breathing to convulsions to death.
Definite pattern of casualties Casualties distributed in a pattern that may be associated with possible agent dissemination methods.
Illness associated with confined geographic area Lower attack rates for people working indoors versus outdoors, or outdoors versus indoors.
 Environment
Unusual liquid droplets Numerous surfaces exhibit oily droplets/film; numerous water surfaces have an oily film. (No recent rain.)
Areas that look different in appearance Not just a patch of dead weeds, but trees, shrubs, bushes, food crops, and/or lawns that are dead, discolored, or withered. (No current drought.)
Unexplained odors Smells may range from fruity to flowery to sharp/pungent to garlic/horseradish-like to bitter almonds/peach kernels to new mown hay. It is important to note that the particular odor is completely out of character with its surroundings.
Low-lying clouds Low-lying cloud/fog-like condition that is not explained by its surroundings.
Unusual metal debris Unexplained bomb/munitions-like material, especially if it contains a liquid.(No recent rain.)

See also: Emergency Contacts Information


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References

  1. Chemical/Biological/Radiological Incident Handbook (CIA)
  2. How to recognize if chemical agents have been used (Video - 1:50 min) (Health Roads Media)

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