Another iteration of the OPS-NC-2008 International Radiological Assistance Program Training for Emergency Response (I-RAPTER) Basic Course was organized by the Joint CBRN Defence Centre of Excellence and US Department of Energy National (DOE) Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) (find more at https://nnsa.energy.gov/) from 30 May to 2 June 2016.

The aim of the course was to provide practical information to effectively respond to radiological incidents and accidents. The course provided instruction through briefings, equipment demonstrations and field exercises employing a wide variety of radiation detection instruments, radiation sources, and personal protective equipment.

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Seventeen course participants (from CZE, ESP, HRV, POL, SVN, and USA) were members of armed forces, fire brigade units, civilian medical service and JCBRND COE.

The performance of NNSA instructors (Mr. Richard MAURER, Mr. Michael MAZUR, Mr. James BUTLER and Mr. Kevin ROLFE) was very professional and highly appreciated by all students. They shared their experience with students, conducted well prepared activities and were engaged in interesting discussions.

During theoretical lessons students have become familiar not only with variety of radioactivity detectors but also procedures related to this issue. The activities were culminating during the field exercise training day (Day 3). Students had to conduct search operation in a building, mobile search operation in the garrison and surroundings and a recovery operation.

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Search operation was conducted in cooperation with Institute of CBRN Defence – Radiological Laboratory (CZE University of Defence) and with Vyskov Air Museum. The premises of Vyskov Air Museum also created inspiring outdoors background for training the detection procedures and the safe transport of discovered radioactive sources to secure environment.

The course was evaluated by the students as very useful with great added value for their carrier’s development.

Next iteration is planned for 5-8 June 2017. Moreover, the I-RAPTER Basic is just one of four courses offered by NNSA and JCBRND COE, the three other courses are:

  • OPS-NC-3009 I – RAPTER Advanced Course
  • OPS-NC-3012 International Radiological Consequence Management Training Course
  • OPS-NC-2011 International Medical Management of Radiation Injuries (I-MED) Course

Find more at our Training Portal: http://www.jcbrncoe.cz/tp/course/index.php?categoryid=7 !



Author: CPT Gorazd STERGAR (SVN-A).
Photo: WO Petr MOHNACS (CZE-A).