Assessment of the Preparedness Level for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Risks in...

The aim was to assess the level of preparedness of Lebanese emergency department staff for potential chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNe) hazards, 2 years after the Beirut explosion and in the conflict zone context.

A descriptive, cross-sectional survey study assessed the minimal preparedness of the emergency departments to CBRNe events. It was sent to all medical directors, physicians, and nurses in all the emergency departments in the country.

Ninety-six responses were collected, 10 from medical directors, 48 from nurses, and 38 from physicians working in an emergency department. Four (4.2%) hospitals were minimally prepared to face a CBRNe disaster. All the minimally prepared hospitals had training after the Beirut port explosion, while 20% of the rest did. Almost 90% of the respondents expressed a need for training.

Lebanese emergency department (ED) do not have the minimal requirements to face a CBRNe disaster. Lacks are perceived in almost every subject of CBRNe preparedness. The misbelief of readiness and the lack of awareness of CBRNe risks are alleged among the emergency medical staff. A regular assessment of the situation of hospital preparedness should be regarded by Lebanon and all nations as a priority. Future research should define a validated CBRNe preparedness index for low-income high-risk countries and investigate alternative models of capacity building.