Measurement and evaluation of the behavior, attitude and knowledge level of the disaster and emergency management presidency (AFAD) staff based on the Turkey disaster response plan under the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) cases

Each accidental or deliberate release of CBRN substances into the environment poses a serious threat to the communities in which the incident occurs, and they can affect the life, health and well-being of many people. For this reasons, CBRN cases are the events that should be taken into consideration. It is very important for countries to carry out rapid and effective response for the disasters and emergencies that may occur due to CBRN substances. Institutions and personnel involved in CBRN cases due to their position and duty should have high level of preparation in terms of their duties and responsibilities. Different teams such as AFAD personnel, police, firefighters, military staff, health workers, environmental urban personnel, and others consider the CBRN cases from different perspectives. Main reason of the different trainings and experiences that received by above mentioned officers is for their duties. In the Turkey Disaster Response Plan, The Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) is the main responsible organization for response to CBRN incidents. In Turkey, the AFET and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) have provincial restructuring organizations in 81 provinces (Provincial Disaster and Emergency Directorates (İAADM) and Search and Rescue Unit Directorates (AKBM) in 11 regions. In Turkey, there are 2 organizations which effectively interfere CBRN events: CBRN School and Training Center Command of Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) " and AFAD. In our research thesis, we aimed to evaluate attitude, behavior and knowledge levels of the Search and Rescue Unit Directorate personnel of AFAD, which plays an active role in the response to CBRN cases, and also to make suggestions based on the findings of the present study.