The financial storm continues to batter worldwide chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) defence capabilities, drawing down the number of people, equipment, and training to some of the lowest levels they have been in ten years. As the economy suffers, questions arise concerning all types of specialist units, including CBRNE and hazmat. All Hazards Response, which will be hosted in Dublin, Ireland, on 16-17 April 2013, will help provide the skills and knowledge to ensure that each team is able to not only weather this storm but also grow stronger.
After launching the All Hazards Response event last year, many military and civilian agencies have questioned what exactly “all hazards” means. What will be achieved with All Hazards Response is a way of forcing leader’s eyes open to the fact that, within their CBRNE-trained operators, they have individuals that are skilled to deal with a variety of incidents. The tagline for the 2013 event is “Dealing With the Complex Catastrophe,” which epitomises the all hazards view – an incident that starts off as one thing and transforms into something else. For example, Hurricane Katrina transformed from a hurricane to a disaster of public order, and Fukushima from an earthquake and tsunami to an exploding reactor. A CBRNE event might lead to public order issues when a cordon is erected for an anthrax incident – and the subsequent public order disturbance has the potential to kill more than the initial attack. Real-life stories, examples, tactics techniques and procedures, and capabilities that are each designed to span more than just one eventuality will be presented.
Four, one-hour exercises from world-leading teams (Paris Fire Brigade, UK HART Team, 773rd CST, and a multi-agency Irish squad) will showcase the diverse skills of specialists – the all hazards response – and will provide new ways of looking at common problems. In addition, expert speakers from many countries will share how they have provided all hazards response squads to incidents such as the Fukushima reactor and Hurricane Sandy. For example, Colonel Iwakuma, one of the opening speakers, from the Japanese Self Defense Force will discuss his experiences of being nearby when reactor three exploded! See the updated programme.
Accompanied by an exhibition showcasing some of the leading tools and devices available, this event for CBRNE and hazmat responders has been planned and organized by the same editorial team that brought you CBRNe World and Hazmat Responder World. Dublin’s Citywest Conference Center is just a short tram ride from the centre of the city, where museums, shops, and other attractions can be found. During the year of The Gathering (http://www.thegatheringireland.com/), All Hazards Response 2013 will host its own Gathering event, with an opportunity to learn more about participants' Irish roots!
For more information or to book reservations, visit www.cbrneworld.com/AllHazardsResponse2013