Investigation of personal protection knowledge level of personnel working in risky units of the hospital against CBRN hazard

In this study, it was aimed to determine the use of personal protective equipment and the level of knowledge of healthcare professionals working in hospitals, especially in risky areas, in a possible chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear incident. In this way, it is aimed to ensure that the healthcare personnel who intervene in the CBRN incident are ready consciously and effectively. In this study, the data collection phase was carried out at Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital between 01/10/2020 – 01/03/2021. Within the scope of the study, a questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was prepared. The questions were prepared in such a way that they are not specific to the job differences of health workers. The survey was initiated as a result of the approval of the ethics committee. 270 people participated in the survey and answered the questions. From the participants; They were asked to read the "informed voluntary consent form" prepared by Bezmialem University, to have information about the research, to decide whether or not to participate in the study voluntarily, and to sign the "participation form" for the participants who decided to participate. All of the 270 participants who agreed to participate in the survey voluntarily agreed to participate in the survey. In the study, it was observed that whether the participants were male or female, their knowledge level of protection against CBRN danger did not significantly affect. 40 of these participants (14.8 %) are healthcare technicians, 161 (59.6 %) are nurses and 69 (25.6 %) are doctors. Considering the occupational difference, the knowledge level of the participants who are nurses against CBRN danger was found to be significantly lower than the participants who were healthcare technicians and doctors. Considering the geopolitical position of our country, it is essential to know CBRN issues well and to intervene appropriately. Health personnel who will perform such an important intervention must first ensure their safety. In the study, it was found that the knowledge levels of the participants who knew the expansion of the CBRN expression were significantly higher than the participants who did not know the expression of CBRN against the risk of CBRN. The spectrum of CBRN threats is wide. To be protected against various threats such as chemical threats, bacteria that cause disease, viruses that cause pandemics, radiological threats, nuclear weapons, radiation spreading around, it is necessary to obtain detailed information about the subject first. In the study, it was determined that the protection knowledge level of the participants who received CBRN training against CBRN danger was significantly higher than the participants who did not receive CBRN training. However, it was determined that the participants who witnessed a CBRN case had significantly higher levels of knowledge of protection against CBRN danger compared to the participants who did not witness a CBNR case. Keywords: CBRN defense, hospital, knowledge level