CBRN case studies
CBRN · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The CBRN credential - Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear - is a professional certification for people whose work requires them to recognize, respond to, and recover from incidents involving hazardous agents. Candidates typically come from emergency management, fire and rescue, hazardous materials teams, military and civil defense units, public health, healthcare emergency preparedness, law enforcement, and safety roles in critical infrastructure. The CBRN case studies are 5 cases and about 4,363 words.
1The Bitter Almonds That Weren't (Probably)
A facilities manager calls 911 reporting "a strong chemical smell" on the third floor of a 12-story office building. Fire/EMS arrive to find 22 people outside with burning eyes, cough, and runny nose; three are vomiting; one woman has audible stridor and is drooling.
891 words, about 4 min2The Envelope in the Mailroom
A mailroom clerk opens a padded envelope; fine white powder puffs onto her hands and forearms. She and two co-workers leave and call security.
854 words, about 4 min3Thirty-Minute Cylinders, Thirty-Four Degrees
14:20 in August, 34 °C, 60% relative humidity. A rail tank car at a transload facility is venting a visible vapor at a flange; the placard is unreadable.
817 words, about 4 min4Forty Patients, Two Lanes, Four Degrees
January, 4 °C, steady rain. A freight derailment has released an unknown liquid that pooled and splashed 40 people at a trackside market.
892 words, about 4 min5Twelve Kits, Fourteen Patients
A commuter rail car is evacuated after a sudden vapor release; 14 people are brought to your casualty collection point on the platform. Findings: three are in respiratory distress with copious secretions and muscle fasciculations; one is actively seizing; five have pinpoint pupils, headache, and nausea but normal breathing and normal heart rate; five are asymptomatic but were in the car.
909 words, about 5 min