On the surface, radiation training can seem somewhat straightforward: teach students how to properly and safely respond to situations involving radiation. However, as many CBRNe instructors know, it’s not that simple.
In a recent BBC Richard Dimbleby lecture, Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert detailed how scientists reacted quickly to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the Oxford professor said they should have moved forward at even greater speed. The overarching question throughout her talk was, “How do you fight a pandemic when you are in a pandemic?” While this question might have been moot in 2019, moving into 2022, there is a clear answer.
The International Society for Respiratory Protection (ISRP) is a non-profit organisation that provides education and information about respiratory protection. The primary purpose of ISRP is to bring together occupational health and safety professionals in the field of respiratory protection. Members are encouraged to share their opinions and disclose their research findings.
Covid-19 is a low virulence virus with a mortality rate of approximately 3%—nowhere near that of Ebola or anthrax, which are around 50% and 80%, respectively. However, the consequences of this novel virus that usually causes a predominantly mild illness have demonstrated that the world is ill-equipped to deal with an unpredictable event. The effects of a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack could have far worse human consequences than Covid-19.
Europe’s premier CBRN event, the CBRNe Summit Europe is returning to Brno, Czech Republic, for its seventh annual function. It will take place from 30 November – 2 December 2021 at the Best Western Premier Hotel International Brno. The first two days will involve conferences and an exhibition hosted by military and civil officials involved in CBRNe incidents. A live demonstration and exercise will be presented on the final day.
The NATO-approved SVG2 RadiacMeter made by Thermo Fisher is designed to provide critical measurements for nuclear incidents and attacks. It is an essential instrument for the emergency services and military personnel responding to a CBRN incident involving radiation. Argon Electronics has worked closely with the manufacturer to create the SVG-2 SIM simulation training system, which includes the SVG-2 SIM survey meter simulator and simulation Alpha, Beta, Gamma probe.
Image source: SAAB Training and Simulation
Modern warfare involving the infantry has shifted towards artillery and CBRN. The following 100 years of conflict will likely see weapons of mass destruction (WMD) playing centre stage. Military units must continue adapting to this threat and train for CBRN usage in a wide range of military operations.
Fifteen years ago, on November 1, 2006, Alexander Litvinenko was poisoned in London’s Millennium Hotel. The murder weapon, disguised in a pot of tea, was polonium-210: an undetectable, tiny, rare radioactive isotope. By the time he had taken the first sip, his demise was already a fait accompli.
The CBRNe Convergence 2021 is thrilled to be returning after last year’s hiatus. This edition of the event will be taking place in Orlando, Florida from 2–4 November 2021. The event will host three full days of conferences, workshops, and exhibitions. Click here to register.
The inaugural Counter Threat Symposium will take place between 8–10 November 2021 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.