Research project MELODY is a response to the European Union’s CBRN action plan, which emphasizes the member state’s responsibility to provide aid to all victims of CBRN incidents. The project seeks to develop a harmonized CBRN training curriculum for first responders and medical staff across the European Union.
The goal of the project is to define, develop and deploy a CBRN training curriculum based on current needs and deficiencies, as experienced and expressed by first responders and medical staff. The principal idea is that a consolidated effort to prepare first responders for CBRN incidents will enhance efficiency, cross-border cooperation, and overall preparedness against CBRN threats across the union. The project consists of ten partners from nine countries and is led by Dr. Carlos Rojas Palma, SCK•CEN, Belgium.
Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME)
SCK•CEN
RIVM
TNO
Campus Vesta
University of Rome Tor Vergata
International Security and Emergency Management Institute
University of Lodz
Emergency Services Training Centre of Western Finland
EODHu - Rapid Response and Special Police Service
The 2017 CBRN action plan, released by the European Commission, states that while terrorist groups have yet to use chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents in attacks in Europe, there are credible indicators suggesting they might. In the event terrorist groups are preparing to attack with CBRN agents, it is imperative that first responders are prepared as well, and that their needs are considered as the training curriculum is developed. Also addressed in the CBRN action plan is the fact that “the need for strengthening EU cooperation and for reinforcing resilience against CBRN threats in terms of prevention, preparedness and response, requires significant investments on the part of Member States” and the call for closer cooperation and utilization of synergies across borders. MELODY will address these needs by creating a harmonized CBRN training curriculum for first responders, which can be implemented across the EU, thus improving cooperation and joint resilience.
Execution
While CBRN training tends to be scarce and limited among most first responders across EU member states, training approaches and procedures also varies significantly between countries. MELODY will consider this, along with the differences in training needs ranging from ground level staff to officers in command and control functions. Additionally, information and skills acquired in training need to be kept alive to serve its purpose, the training materials will therefore be adapted for different types of training required for different functions and the training tools will facilitate repeated trainings.
The specific objectives of MELODY include:
Results
At the end of the three-year project, it is expected that a complete, fit-for-purpose and quality assured and controlled CBRN training curriculum will be delivered. MELODY’s success will be measured by indicators such as.
