Immediate Action

This section provides links to concise guides for biological, chemical or radiation emergencies and guidelines for unusual illness incidents. These include key features to aid diagnosis, approach to initial patient management, who to notify and where to find further information.

Radiation Action Card (PDF, 67 KB)
A concise guide or aide memoire developed for use by on-call or public health staff faced with a radiation emergency (August 2010)
Added/updated: 1 September 2010
Biological Action Card (PDF, 76 KB)
A concise guide or aide memoire developed for use by on-call or public health staff faced with a biological emergency (August 2010)
Added/updated: 13 May 2011
Chemical Action Card (PDF, 70 KB)
A concise guide or aide memoire developed for use by on-call or public health staff faced with a chemical emergency (August 2010)
Added/updated: 1 September 2010
Emergency Clinical Situations Algorithm (PDF, 200 KB)
v1.6 June 2009
Added/updated: 15 June 2009
Unusual Illness Guidelines
Guidance for the Initial Investigation and Management of Outbreaks and Incidents of Unusual Illnesses
Added/updated: 4 March 2013
Cardinal Signs and Tips (PDF, 171 KB)
Unusual Illness, including Deliberate or Accidental Releases: Cardinal Signs and Tips for key Biological Agents v2.2 Feb 2011
Added/updated: 16 February 2011
Suspect Packages and Materials
Guidance on actions that should be taken following the receipt of a suspicious package/letter or the identification of suspect material.
Added/updated: 18 June 2009
Suspect Packages (white powder incidents') Algorithm (PDF, 81 KB)
v2.2 November 2006
Added/updated: 18 June 2009

Related Information

›› Suspect Packages and Materials
›› Category A Agents Information Matrix