Evaluation of the relationship between risk perception and prepadness of emergency health care workers towards CBRN threats

CBRN consists of the initials of the words Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear and deals with the situations that are harmful to nature and human health, caused by the accidental or deliberate release of these substances. Emergency health services have a key role in reducing the mortality and morbidity that may arise in the event of a possible CBRN threat and danger. In this context, the aim of this research is to measure the risk perception of critically important emergency health services workers towards CBRN events and to evaluate the relationship between pre-event preparedness attitudes. The universe of the research consists of 112 emergency health services stations and emergency health services workers working in hospital emergency services within the borders of Hatay province. A questionnaire form based on a 5-point Likert scale about risk perception and preparedness for CBRN crime scene hazards was applied to the sample group of 383 people using face-to-face survey technique. The data obtained in the research were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows 25.0 program. Student t test and one-way ANOVA statistical methods were used to determine statistical significance among groups. Correlation analysis was conducted to test the relationship between participants' risk perception towards CBRN hazards and their preparedness for CBRN events. The results showed that the readiness level of male participants was significantly higher than female participants. Besides, it was determined that the preparedness of the participants who received CBRN training or previously intervened in a CBRN event was positively affected. In addition, it has been determined that the risk perception and preparedness for CBRN hazards of 112 emergency health services workers was higher than hospital emergency service workers. As a result of the correlation analysis; It was determined that there was a statistically significant and positive correlation between risk perception towards CBRN hazards and preparedness attitudes for CBRN events (r:0.471; p<0.001). It was observed that as the risk perception of the participants towards CBRN hazards increased, their preparedness for CBRN events also increased. In conclusion, training should be focused on increasing risk perceptions to positively affect the preparedness attitudes of emergency health care workers.