Project 88: Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in SEEE countries

Training Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Contacts

CBRN Emergency Management Training Centre of the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Galib Omerdic
galibomerdic@gmail.com

Downloadable materials

P88 HANDBOOK CBRNE SOPS GUIDELINES BCS

Bosnia and Herzegovina Conducts First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Tabletop Exercise Under EU Project 88

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, January 21–22, 2026 — Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken a decisive step in strengthening its preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies with the successful conclusion of the country’s First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training. The event was jointly organized by the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) and the Institute for Emergency Medicine of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was delivered as part of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88 “Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in South East and Eastern European countries”.

Held over two days at the Hotel Hills in Sarajevo, the training marked a milestone in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ongoing efforts to build resilience against large-scale CBRN emergencies and enhance national agencies' ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises involving hazardous substances and mass casualties.

A Project with Regional Impact

The training forms part of the 2025 Action Plan developed under Project 88, which was agreed at the Regional Technical Working Group meeting in Tirana in 2024. This plan includes the organization of National Table-Top Exercises (NTTXs) in each partner country. Unlike earlier stages of Project 88, which relied heavily on international trainers, the NTTXs are designed and led primarily by national Master Trainers, ensuring stronger local ownership and long-term sustainability. These exercises are mentored by Dr. Nigel Lightfoot, an international expert, and supported by STCU.

For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the event was not only an exercise but also a demonstration of the country’s growing ability to independently plan and manage complex emergency training activities.

Realistic Scenario, Real Challenges

The Sarajevo NTTX placed participants in a challenging scenario. The incident, simulated through a series of staged “injects” introduced by facilitators, involved a collision between vehicles, a fire, and the discovery of suspicious packages suspected to contain hazardous pesticides.

As the scenario unfolded, responders were confronted with escalating complications: injured and symptomatic casualties, environmental contamination risks, the collapse of an emergency responder due to possible chemical exposure, and mounting pressure from the media and public.

The exercise was designed to test a wide range of national response capabilities, including:

• Command and control structures for interagency cooperation.
• Incident notification, dispatch, and safety procedures.
• The ability to conduct risk assessments and escalate appropriately.
• Coordination of medical care, casualty management, and hospital readiness.
• Public communication and media handling during emergencies.
• Identification of gaps in toxicology expertise and international support mechanisms.

Broad Participation

The event gathered 20 participants from across Bosnia and Herzegovina’s key emergency response institutions. Representatives included professionals from the Clinical Centre of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Public Health Institute, the Fire Department, the Directorate for Rescue and Protection, the Institute for Emergency Medicine, and the Ministry of Interior Police Department.

By bringing together responders from different sectors, the training provided an invaluable platform for interagency coordination. Participants were able to test their respective roles and responsibilities in a controlled environment, practice joint decision-making, and highlight areas where communication or operational procedures could be improved.

Reflection and Lessons Learned

The exercise concluded with a “Hot Washup” debrief, led by the Montenegrin P88 Team Leader. This immediate review allowed participants to reflect on their performance, discuss strengths, and identify operational gaps. The following day, a structured post-event feedback session and survey were conducted to capture lessons learned and integrate them into future preparedness planning.

Participants emphasized the importance of clear lines of authority, timely access to toxicology expertise, and strengthening hospital readiness for contaminated casualties. The discussions also underscored the need to improve public communication strategies to maintain trust and minimize panic during a CBRN crisis.

A Milestone for Bosnia and Herzegovina

The successful organization of this first national CBRN training under Project 88 marks an important achievement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. By taking ownership of the planning and execution, Montenegrin authorities have demonstrated both their commitment to preparedness and their capacity to sustain international efforts in the long term.

Representatives of STCU highlighted the broader significance of the event: “This training is not only about Bosnia and Herzegovina’s preparedness; it also reflects the sustainability of the EU’s investment in regional resilience. By empowering national trainers and institutions, we are ensuring that countries in South East and Eastern Europe can respond effectively to CBRN emergencies on their own.”

Looking Ahead

As Project 88 moves forward, similar NTTXs are planned in other partner countries, each designed to test and strengthen national emergency systems while embedding lessons from past regional cooperation. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Sarajevo exercise stands as a landmark moment—one that has enhanced interagency collaboration, tested real-world readiness, and contributed significantly to building a safer, more resilient future.