PRESS RELEASE.Successful Completion of Multinational Radiological Field Emergency Response Exercise in Moldova
20/2127 Sep 2024

September 26, 2024 Chisinau, Moldova
In the framework of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88 ‘Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in SEEE countries’, a three-day Radiological Emergency Response Field Exercise (RadEx) successfully concluded today in Chisinau.
This event, organized by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) and hosted by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova, brought together medical professionals and first responders from nine South Eastern and Eastern European countries.
Minister Ala NEMERENCO, Minister of Health of the Republic of Moldova; Curtis BJELAJAC, CEO of the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine; Dr. Nicolae JELAMSCHI, Director of the National Agency for Public Health of the Republic of Moldova; and Lieutenant Colonel Alexandr TATAROV, Deputy Director of the General Inspectorate of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Moldova, delivered the opening remarks.
The exercise, funded by the European Union, aimed to enhance the region’s preparedness and response capabilities for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. Participants engaged in realistic scenarios simulating a radiological incident, testing their skills in medical triage, contamination management, and inter-agency coordination.
Key highlights of the exercise included:
• Simulation of a complex radiological emergency scenario involving multiple casualties and potential environmental contamination.
• Practical demonstration of medical CBRN triage, decontamination procedures, and patient management in a potentially contaminated environment.
• Enhancement of cross-border cooperation and knowledge sharing among participating countries.
This exercise was instrumental in identifying strengths and areas for improvement in the radiological emergency response capabilities of the South Eastern and Eastern European regions. The dedication and professionalism displayed by all participants underscored the importance of such collaborative efforts in building resilience against CBRN threats.
The exercise tested technical skills and emphasized the importance of effective communication during crises, including interaction with the media and public information management.
This initiative represents a significant step in strengthening the South Eastern and Eastern European region’s capacity to respond to radiological emergencies, ultimately contributing to enhanced public safety and regional security.
P88 WEBSITE
http://www.coe-project88.stcu.int/