- The STAC should be activated by the lead responder through the RP’s generic procedures for obtaining scientific and technical advice. The provision of scientific and technical advice should be part of the first considerations when a RP is activated. Where other arrangements exist for specific types of emergency, as described in Section 7 (Flexibility in approach), they should be recognised when consideration is being given by the RP for the activation of STAC arrangements. However, a senior public health professional (such as Director of Public Health or deputy) may recommend to the RP chair that a STAC needs to be established due to the potential impact on the health of the local population from an actual or evolving incident.
- A meeting of the STAC should be held as quickly as possible to carry out the initial risk assessment and to identify the ongoing requirements for specialist advice to the RP.
- Immediately following the occurrence of an emergency the lead responder(s) may be without a coordinated source of expert advice. In this situation, the primary source will be local area expertise, for example, local Directors of Public Health, Environmental Health Officers and SFRS HAZMAT Officers. They may be able to provide an early assessment of the likely or actual impact of the emergency, which may include advice on first responder safety. For uncertain incidents that the National CBRN Centre (NCBRNC) judges as requiring expert consideration, the Emergency Coordination of Scientific Advice (ECOSA) may be triggered. This mechanism exists to ensure that responders do not receive conflicting advice from different sources before a STAC can be established. If ECOSA is activated, advice will be coordinated by Public Health Scotland.
- Initial STAC discussions and provision of advice to the lead responder/s can be conducted by telephone/teleconference/IT links. Therefore adequate 24/7 contact and communications arrangements for STAC members should be in place.
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