Improved CBRN Preparedness and Response Through Teamwork and Knowledge Sharing

Abstract

Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and ScienceVol. 11, No. S1 Preparedness and ResponseOpen AccessImproved CBRN Preparedness and Response Through Teamwork and Knowledge SharingCecilia VahlbergCecilia VahlbergSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:24 Aug 2013https://doi.org/10.1089/bsp.2013.0862AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail The EU CBRN Action Plan is part of the work to strengthen and increase our ability to handle incidents involving CBRN materials. CBRN incidents have attracted a lot of attention, especially during the past decade, and efforts on both national levels (central, regional, and local) as well as the international level should be made to enhance the management of CBRN-related crises. The precautionary measures or preparedness regarding CBRN as well as the response to such an incident are important aspects to consider and are included in the EU CBRN Action Plan.Forensic evidence is critical for the prosecution and conviction of offenders in CBRN-related crimes, and consequently forensic awareness at crime scenes involving CBRN is highly important and an essential subject to consider in CBRN preparedness and response. The knowledge and experience of forensic experts, familiar with how to secure and analyze forensic evidence, can be used to increase the forensic awareness of other authorities involved in CBRN investigations, including legal authorities, CBRN subject experts, rescue services, and health agencies. It is especially important that first responders receive a proper education regarding forensic awareness to guarantee that the evidence at a CBRN crime scene is properly handled and secured.Exchange of information, knowledge, professional experience, and abilities is one approach to ensuring a high degree of expertise and competence in the CBRN area. The exchange of information may include emergency response plans, gained experiences from exercises, research results regarding CBRN agents, CBRN detection methods, knowledge regarding forensic awareness at crime scenes, and improved analysis methods of forensic evidence. Collaboration enables the exchange of information. These collaborations, both on the national and international levels, could include mutual exercises, research projects, conferences, and formation of various networks between organizations involved in the investigation of CBRN-related crime.Emergency plans should include CBRN. This is especially important for places, organizations, and arrangements that can be considered as potential CBRN targets. It is also important that forensic awareness is considered when developing or updating emergency response plans so that forensic evidence can be secured in case of a CBRN incident. Another important issue when considering CBRN preparedness is the ability to perform decontamination procedures. It is essential to have well-established routines and knowledge to be able to decontaminate an environment as well as individuals who have been exposed to CBRN agents. Decontamination procedures also make it possible to analyze forensic evidence at “normal” forensic laboratories.All in all, collaboration and exchange of information between expert agencies and authorities that might become involved in the handling of CBRN crises and the establishment and exercise of joint routines for CBRN incidents are essential for CBRN preparedness and response.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byImplications Drawn from a Military Bioterror Exercise in Israel Tamar Berger, Itay Fogel, Lion Poles, Adi Avniel Aran, Omri Shental, and Michael Kassirer8 April 2015 | Health Security, Vol. 13, No. 2 Volume 11Issue S1Sep 2013 InformationCopyright 2013, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Cecilia Vahlberg.Improved CBRN Preparedness and Response Through Teamwork and Knowledge Sharing.Biosecurity and Bioterrorism: Biodefense Strategy, Practice, and Science.Sep 2013.S45-S45.http://doi.org/10.1089/bsp.2013.0862creative commons licensePublished in Volume: 11 Issue S1: August 24, 2013PDF download