The role of CBRN live agent training in education of first responders

Abstract

In the modern security architecture, CBRN threats represent one of the most dangerous and devastating threats with immediate and prolonged eff ects both on people and the environment with additional security and economic consequences. Th e prompt and professional response has a key role in the management of the crisis caused by CBRN agents. Th at is why the fi rst responders need to be trained and qualifi ed individuals with special equipment and working methods. Th e aim of this paper is to present the importance of a holistic approach in training, through the integral CBRN activities that include chemical, biological, and radiological fi eld detection and decontamination procedures, medical response and personal protection, sampling, and laboratory analytical methods as well as adequate security procedures and protocols. Having in mind that time of reaction and adequacy of responses are the key factors for crisis management, as the main conclusion of this paper a necessity to improve the skill of the fi rst responders through comprehensive training during which trainees must be familiarized with diff erent types of threats, respond protocols, techniques, and equipment is recognized. Due to the complexity of the research subject, which requires knowledge from diff erent scientifi c fi elds, qualitative research design has been applied which includes a literature review, qualitative content analysis, and scenario methods.