Project 116: Advanced Capacity Building for Medical Response to CBRN Incidents and Biological Threats in the GCC Countries

Context

In 2019, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) recognised that, in the majority of Gulf countries, many well trained first-line medical and paramedical responders, and second-line hospital and emergency medical staff might not have the skills and knowledge to respond to a CBRN event. This capability is essential to safeguard both healthcare workers and hospitals in times of crisis, and to effectively manage patients exposed to such materials. 

Since then, the GCC and the European Union (EU) have been working together to provide general training in CBRN medical preparedness and response through P82. This new capability now exists in all GCC Countries. P116 takes training in CBRN medical preparedness and response to the next level.

Overall objective

This project aims to enhance advanced medical capabilities in the GCC countries to manage casualties from CBRN incidents. 

Building on capacities established through P82 among front-line and hospital medical specialists, this project aims to provide more advanced training for emergency room staff and specialists, public health experts, and to enhance coordination between health and rescue services. 

Specific objectives

• To help medical specialists in treating patients exposed to CBRN materials and set up dedicated Hospital Emergency Response Teams (HERT).
• To enhance coordination between rescue services and medical professionals to improve cooperation and patient handover, and provide tools for effective communication and for managing the psychological aspects of major CBRN incidents.
• To raise awareness and promote the development of regional strategies for advanced biological threats and the establishment of regional strategic stockpiles for medical countermeasures (MCMs).

Concrete activities

• Train-the-trainers on Acute Radiation Medical Interventions.
• Train-the-trainers for procedures in establishing Hospital Emergency Response Teams (HERT) for CBRN incidents.
• Train-the-trainers for On-Scene Commanders in coordinating casualty management on scene with hospitals and medical experts.
• Building a virtual course on Psychological Impact Management and Communications for First Responders and the Public.
• Advanced Workshop on Biological Threats for 100 participants.
• Regional Conference on Stockpiling of Medical Countermeasures (MCMs) for CBRN Incidents.

Expected results

• Improved Public Health networking, cooperation and communication between the EU and the GCC countries.
• Enhanced CBRN Medical response capabilities for up to 1000 first-line medical and paramedical responders, and second-line hospital and emergency medical staff, across the region.
• Enhanced public understanding and resilience in relation to a CBRN event.
• Established sustainable national training systems in each GCC country for advanced competencies in CBRN medical emergency preparedness and response.
• Improved national and regional stockpiling of medical countermeasures (MCMs) for CBRN Incidents.

Expected achievements

• Establishment of national and regional standards for the advanced medical management of CBRN casualties.
• Improved cooperation between rescue services and hospitals.
• Medical experts in the GCC region chose the project activities and are also leading the development of the training activities. This ensures both ownership and long-term sustainability.