A well planned and executed CBR terrorist attack may result in hundreds of casualties, many of whom may carry residual contamination on their clothing into the ambulances. Numerous victims would need to be evaluated, triaged, decontaminated, treated and transported to local hospitals.

In addition, many of the victims who seek medical care could be expected to be suffering from psychosomatic ailments produced by the incident. These casualties can create major logistical problems for the healthcare system.

For example, in the 1995 Tokyo Sarin attack, 5,510 people were treated, including 135 emergency responders and approximately 4000 with psychological symptoms.

CBR weapons differ from other terrorist weapons in that they employ chemical and biological warfare agents or radioactive materials as a primary active ingredient of the weapon.

* Chemical agents. These are toxic chemicals used for the purpose of injuring or killing victims. They may range from toxic industrial chemicals to chemical warfare agents, like Sarin, which are hundreds of times more toxic.

* Biological agents. These are micro-organisms or toxins that may cause disease or death in people, animals or plants.

* Radiological materials. These materials can pose both an acute and long-term hazard to humans. The radiation produced may cause acute or chronic damage. Radiological agents do not necessarily have to be inhaled or come in contact with the skin to do damage. Some types of radiation, like gamma rays, can penetrate significant layers of protective material.

A useful link for further information is:

Bioterrorism - An Australian Perspective