International Radiological Assistance Program Training for Emergency Response (I-RAPTER)
Based on the cooperation between United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), JCBRN Defence COE and NBC Defence Institute of University of Defence (UNOB) was successfully conducted another “International Radiological Assistance Program Training for Emergency Response” (I-RAPTER)basic course during the period 19th – 22nd May 2014.
Course was officially opened with administrative briefing information presented by MAJ. Petr VALENTA. Students and the instructors were welcomed by acting deputy director of Training, Exercises and Education Department (TEED) LTC Adolf LABAK. Last, but not least speaker was Admiral Krol, the main supervisor of I-RAPTER course, who welcomed the students, instructors and described the importance and history of I-RAPTER course.
During 3.5 days long course, DOE/NNSA instructors shared experience with students in order to provide, radiation protection specialists, first responders, law enforcement, and emergency managers with practical information to effectively respond to radiological incidents and accidents. The course provides instruction through briefings, equipment demonstrations and filed exercises employing a wide variety of radiation detection instrumentation, radiation sources, and personal protective equipment.
15 students from 7 countries (AFG ,BEL, BGR, DEU, ITA, NLD, POL ) were instructed by 5 instructors from the Department of Energy (DoE) of the United States of America, who have countless years of practical experience with radiation protection programs.
During a few theoretical lessons, students got familiar not only with variety detectors of radioactivity but also procedures related to this issue.
Third day of a course is dedicated to the practical training. Students were divided in to the three groups. Each group had to undergo searching procedure in the laboratory environment. Next mile stone was to locate and identify the luggage, in which was hidden radioactive source.
Finally, there was conducted radiation survey in the area of Vyškov garrison and Air museum which is located at the suburb of Vyškov. For mobile detection the students utilized the Spectral Advanced Radiological Computer System (SPARC)mounted in two vans.
The SPARCSis a versatile multi-platform radiation detection system designed to be used for both ground and aerial detection. Students successfully discovered two radiation sources at L39 jets in the area of air museum.
More over, students read the spectrum of the radioactive sources. Based on the spectrum data readings, lately the isotope of Europium 152 was identified. These radioactive sources are commonly used on military fighters and choppers as icing indicators.
The I-RAPTER course was evaluated by the students as very useful course with great value for their next carrier’s development.
JCBRN Defence COE is going to organize I-RAPTER II – advanced pilot course during the 18th -22nd November 2014. Read more about I-RAPTER II course.
Authors:
Collective photo: Mrs. Hana Jurčová
Other photos: Instructors, students and WO David
Text: WO Pavel DAVID
