8 June 2005

Developing procedures for responding to attacks with weapons of mass destruction Fire-fighters, policemen, medics as well as experts and senior officials from NATO and partner countries met in Karlstad, Sweden, 1-3 June for a seminar on procedures for ‘first responders’ dealing with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents. The seminar is an important contribution to the Civil Emergency Planning Action Plan, developed by NATO’s Senior Civil Emergency Planning Committee. The plan calls for the development of non-binding guidelines and minimum standards for the protection of the civil population against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) risks. Ensuring the right response The Karlstad seminar specifically focused on procedures for personnel who first arrive on the scene of an incident. During the seminar, the US Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Emergency Preparedness and Response Michael D. Brown stressed the importance of the issue, calling for action. Six work groups then worked on procedures and guidelines for first responders to a CBRN incident. Building on the work of earlier seminars held in Norway and Finland, the results from the Karlstad meeting will enhance national preparedness and improve international co-operation in the area of first response to CBRN incidents.