Airports have long been focal points for ensuring safety and security. Historically, the emphasis has been on preventing explosive or weapon-based attacks. However, the presence of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats present a far more intricate challenge. Unlike traditional explosives, these threats are subtle, often invisible, and exponentially more difficult to detect.
The Schleswig-Holstein State Fire Service School in Germany has transformed its approach to training incorporating Argon Electronics advanced simulation technology to significantly enhance the quality and safety of their CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) response courses.
The UK fleet of TPz Fuchs 1 vehicles procured hastily for CBRN reconnaissance duty in the first Gulf War has survived a number of defence cuts and has returned to service following an extensive capability regeneration and enhancement programme.
The US response to the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster provided valuable lessons for the US military and its allies in creating a radiological detection and analysis capability that can offer real-time shared situational awareness.
"Nothing can compare with realistic training in the fire and rescue service."
- Ross Smallcombe, Firefighter
Chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incidents, by their very nature, are deliberate and malicious acts designed to invoke harm or fear through an intentional attack or threat.
While such events remain thankfully rare, when they do occur there is the vital need for a robust and decisive response.
The continued development of chemical and biological weapons, the re-emergence of Novichok nerve agents and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are all placing unprecedented pressure on chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) response capability worldwide.
Effective chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threat detection relies on ensuring that response personnel are fully confident in the use of their operational equipment before they step foot into a real-life hazardous situation.
While essential knowledge can of course be gradually acquired through exposure to live incidents, the ability to handle vital CBRN detection equipment, and to interpret the readings that are obtained, is not something that can simply be 'picked up on the job.'
Preparing for the possibility of a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attack on British soil is something that has taken a back seat over the last couple of decades, with the UK's military efforts being largely focused on CBRN concerns in the Arab Gulf and Syria.
But as David Oliver outlined in an article for the Chemical, Biological and Nuclear Warfare magazine CBNW earlier this year, that focus had to be rapidly redirected in March 2018 in response to the Novichok nerve agent attack in Salisbury, Wiltshire.