A systematic review of research on the emergency response community’s resilience to hostile CBRNE threats

Adversarial uses of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) materials present distinct challenges for the emergency response community (ERC). This literature review examines 110 studies on ERC resilience to deliberate CBRNE threats. Using a systematic review approach, we analyse literature covering six ERC components: fire services, civil protection services, emergency medical services, law enforcement, military, and non-affiliated volunteers – each with distinct roles and operational logics that complicate coordination. Four core challenges are identified: the capability and willingness of first responders is often undermined by a lack of training and resources; existing emergency plans frequently underestimate CBRNE-specific demands; institutional fragmentation hinders joint action; and communication remains a persistent weakness. While much of the literature emphasizes perceived preparedness and relies on simulations, it often neglects critical ERC actors, especially police, military, and volunteers. Despite the identified weaknesses, the review consolidates recommendations for practice to strengthen resilience, understood as the capacity to prepare for, adapt to, respond to, and recover from adverse events. These findings offer insights to guide future research and inform improved policy and practice in ERC resilience to CBRNE incidents.