Project 88

Training Center in The Republic of Albania

Contacts

The National Emergency Medical Center in Albania

Rruga Lord Bajron 70, 1001 Tiranë, Albania

Skender Brataj

sbrataj@gmail.com

Downloadable materials

P88 HANDBOOK CBRNE SOPS GUIDELINES V1.0 (ALB)

Albania Strengthens CBRN Emergency Medical Preparedness through National Table-top Exercise with EU CBRN CoE Support

Albania has completed its national CBRN emergency medicine table-top exercise (TTX), strengthening interagency coordination, hospital readiness, and crisis decision-making with support from the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence. Designed for senior decision-makers, including incident commanders, senior ministry officials, and hospital leadership, the exercise tested strategic coordination and crisis governance under realistic pressure.

CBRN risk context

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) medical emergencies can begin with materials used in everyday sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and industry, but can rapidly escalate into mass-casualty incidents if response systems are not coordinated. In CBRN events, delays in risk assessment, decontamination, triage, and public communication can increase harm to patients, responders, and nearby communities. Strengthening preparedness is therefore essential to protect lives, reduce panic, and ensure that hospitals and emergency services can act together under pressure.

Albania tests national coordination for complex CBRN medical response

On 24–25 February 2026 in Tirana, Albania, the country completed its national CBRN emergency medicine TTX, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to strengthen preparedness for hazardous-substance incidents and mass-casualty emergencies. The training was jointly organized by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) and the National Emergency Medical Centres in Albania, and delivered under the EU CBRN CoE Project 88.

This action was implemented with the support of the European Union through the EU CBRN Risk Mitigation Centres of Excellence. The scenario was developed jointly by Project 88 experts and Albanian Master Trainers to reflect Albania’s national priorities and operational realities. The exercise used a staged tunnel-incident scenario involving multiple vehicles, with one car carrying cesium, creating a radiological hazard. As the situation escalated, participants had to manage symptomatic casualties, contamination risks, a potentially exposed responder, and increasing media and public pressure.

What is different now: stronger national ownership and practical gap identification

A key achievement is the shift toward stronger national ownership. Under Project 88’s 2025-2026 Action Plan, National TTXs are designed and led primarily by national Master Trainers, with mentoring from the Project experts and support from STCU. For Albania, this was more than a training event: it demonstrated the country’s growing ability to plan and manage complex CBRN medical emergency training activities independently, a critical factor for long-term sustainability.

The exercise also generated concrete operational learning. It tested command and control, incident notification and dispatch, risk assessment and escalation, casualty management, hospital readiness, public communication, and access to radiological expertise. During the “Hot Washup” and follow-up feedback session, participants identified priority improvements, including clearer lines of authority, faster toxicology support, stronger hospital readiness for contaminated casualties, and more effective crisis communication to maintain public trust.

Broad participation strengthens Albania’s whole-of-government preparedness

The exercise convened senior representatives from public health, the fire service, police, the Institute of Nuclear Physics, civil protection, three university hospitals in Albania, the National Centre of Emergency Medicine, and customs, enabling strategic coordination across the full response chain. By working through a shared scenario, these institutions practiced joint decision-making, clarified roles and responsibilities, and identified areas for improving communication and procedures before a real emergency occurs.

This national exercise also contributes to wider regional resilience. As Project 88 moves forward, similar National Table-Top Exercises are planned in other partner countries, allowing lessons learned in Albania to support future preparedness efforts across South East and Eastern Europe. In this way, Albania’s exercise stands as both a national milestone and a practical model for replication.

Project background

The training in Tirana was delivered under EU CBRN CoE Project 88, “Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in South East and Eastern European countries.” The project supports partner countries in improving medical preparedness, response coordination, and sustainable training capacity for CBRN incidents through national-level training and institutional cooperation.

Albania Strengthens CBRN Emergency Medical Preparedness through National Table-top Exercise with EU CBRN CoE Support PRESS RELEASE

Albania Strengthens CBRN Emergency Medical Preparedness through National Table-top Exercise with EU CBRN CoE Support

Successful Completion of Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Held in Tirana, Albania

From October 29 to 31, 2024, Tirana hosted the third edition of the National CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) Emergency Medicine Training, marking a major step forward in Albania`s preparedness for CBRN incidents. This event, organized by the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine (STCU) in cooperation with Albania`s National Emergency Medical Center, signifies a crucial enhancement in the skills of Albania`s medical frontline responders.

Led by experienced Albanian Master Trainers, the program highlights Albania`s commitment to building high-quality, locally-driven training. This initiative aligns with the goals of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88, dedicated to strengthening CBRN medical readiness and response across Southeast and Eastern Europe.

The training brought together key personnel from various backgrounds - first-line responders, hospital teams, emergency managers, and medical professionals - to build essential skills for handling CBRN-related medical emergencies. Covering topics from pre-hospital care to advanced medical procedures tailored to CBRN scenarios, the curriculum catered to diverse responder needs.

Through practical exercises and scenario-based simulations, participants gained invaluable hands-on experience, fostering cooperation and knowledge exchange among CBRN emergency medicine professionals. This training was instrumental in creating a well-coordinated and effective response system within Albania.

Training P88. Successful Completion of Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Tirana, Albania PRESS RELEASE

Training P88. Successful Completion of Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Tirana, Albania

Successful Completion of Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Tirana, Albania

28-30 May 2024: Marking a significant advancement in Albania's ability to prepare for and respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies, the second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training successfully concluded in Tirana, Albania. Organized by the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine (STCU) and facilitated by the National Emergency Medical Center in Albania, this event represents a crucial milestone in empowering Albania's frontline medical personnel.

With Albanian Master Trainers at the helm, this training highlights the dedication of Albania's national training team to delivering top-notch instruction through local efforts. This endeavor aligns with the objectives of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88, aimed at enhancing CBRN medical preparedness and response capabilities in Southeast and Eastern European countries.

The training equipped a diverse group of key personnel with essential skills and knowledge for efficiently responding to CBRN medical emergencies. Designed for various target groups, including first-line responders, hospital staff, emergency managers, and medical professionals, the curriculum encompassed topics from pre-hospital management to advanced medical procedures specific to CBRN incidents.

The training played a vital role in developing a robust and coordinated response system in Albania by addressing the unique needs of each target group. Practical exercises and scenario-based simulations provided participants with hands-on experience, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing among CBRN emergency medicine professionals.

Training P88. Successful Completion of Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Tirana, Albania PRESS RELEASE

Training P88. Successful Completion of Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Tirana, Albania

Advancing CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Albania

In Tirana, Albania, from March 20th to 22nd, 2024, Albania witnessed a groundbreaking event in its efforts to bolster CBRN emergency preparedness and response capabilities. This inaugural National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training, held under the auspices of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88, represented a significant stride forward in equipping healthcare professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to effectively address chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

The collaboration between the Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine (STCU) and The National Emergency Medical Center in Albania exemplified the commitment to empowering South East and Eastern Europe (SEEE) partner countries. Within the framework of Project 88, the initiative focused on establishing sustainable training systems, providing vital equipment, and certifying CBRN Emergency Medicine Master Trainers. By addressing the existing gaps in medical response readiness across SEEE countries, the project aimed to standardize procedures, conduct training programs, and fortify the region's emergency response infrastructure.

The training encompassed a comprehensive curriculum and was tailored to various professionals, including first-line responders, hospital staff, emergency managers, and medical personnel. Participants delved into topics ranging from pre-hospital management to advanced medical procedures specific to CBRN incidents. Through hands-on exercises and scenario-based simulations, the training imparted practical knowledge and fostered collaboration among emergency medicine professionals.

The General Directorate of Fire Protection and Rescue of Albania, along with three university hospitals in Tirana and medical staff from all regional hospitals of Albania, as well as the Institution of Public Health, played an active role in the training, further enhancing its impact and reach.

Looking ahead, the success of this pilot training sets the stage for future endeavors in Albania. Plans are underway to expand similar initiatives nationwide, focusing on building resilient and coordinated response systems. Stay informed about upcoming training opportunities as we continue our collective journey toward strengthening CBRN emergency preparedness and response capabilities in the SEEE region.