Guidelines for First Response to a CBRN incident

The consequences of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies may stretch national capabilities to their maximum extent.

First response remains a national responsibility and it is essential therefore that nations build on their resources to respond and mitigate the consequences of emergencies affecting lives, property and the environment. Due to the nature of CBRN incidents, particularly their trans-national effects, co-operation between Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) nations is necessary. The development and adoption

of Non-Binding Guidelines and Minimum Standards facilitates and improves national responses and mutual assistance.

The Non-Binding Guidelines and Minimum Standards for CBRN First Responders (NBG/ MS), developed by NATO’s Civil Protection Group, are a “package” of tools aimed at first responders to support planning and implementation of response to CBRN incidents.

The aim of the response guidelines is to establish procedural guidelines for strategic, operational and tactical planners responsible for CBRN preparedness and response.

The response guidelines provide generic advice and guidance on procedures, capabilities and equipment required to implement an effective response. They are designed to improve multi-agency interoperability in first response to a CBRN incident and provide guidance on when regional, national or international assistance may be required.

This manual from the NATO Civil Emergency Planning Civil Protection Group is available to download below as PDFs in English, French or Russian.