RESPONDING TO A CBRN(e) EVENT: JOINT OPERATING PRINCIPLES FOR THE EMERGENCY SERVICES

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This guidance has been developed to reflect live exercising and operational learning that has taken place and influenced the response. It aligns with the Joint Doctrine: The Interoperability Framework produced by the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme (JESIP) and the National Response Framework: Potential CBRN(e) Incidents: A Response Framework for the Emergency Services.

This guidance is intended to guide the response to CBRN(e) terrorism from the Initial Operational Response, through the transition into the Specialist Operational Response, aligning to the Pursue element and onwards into the recovery phase.

The Initial Operational Response starts from the very first call to the emergency services. First responders from all agencies must work together quickly and efficiently to save life and then seamlessly hand over to specialist assets.

This guidance is designed to provide a structured process to assist management of the multi-agency response to a CBRN(e) event. It should be used in conjunction with multi-agency doctrine for CBRN(e) response and provides the basis for local planning arrangements.

The principles that it sets out have been jointly developed by the Emergency Services and act as a significant enabler in the delivery of a consistent and interoperable UK-wide emergency service response.

This guidance does not replace existing major incident procedures and must be used in conjunction with Standard Operating Procedures.

These Joint Operating Principles encompass the Initial Operational Response, the Specialist Operational Response and the transition between the two phases. Through the entirety of the CBRN(e) event it is essential that specialist responders and commanders are competent in the implementation of these Joint Operating Principles.

Organisations are responsible for ensuring systems are in place for the training, assessment and assurance of staff against these Joint Operating Principles.

As the response capability develops this document will be reviewed and any revisions circulated as necessary.