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

Training Center in Montenegro

Contacts

The Institute for Emergency Medicine of Montenegro
Vaka Đurovića b.b., 81000 Podgorica, Crna Gora
Vuk Nikovic
kontakt@hitna.me

Downloadable materials

P88 HANDBOOK CBRNE SOPS GUIDELINES V1.0 (MNE)

Recent News

Montenegro Conducts First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Tabletop Exercise Under EU Project 88

Podgorica, Montenegro, September 8–9, 2025 — Montenegro 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 Montenegro, 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 Crowne Plaza Hotel in Podgorica, the training represented a milestone in Montenegro’s ongoing efforts to build resilience against large-scale CBRN emergencies and enhance the ability of national agencies to respond swiftly and effectively to crises involving hazardous substances and mass casualties.

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, while STCU provides financial support.

For Montenegro, 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.

The Podgorica NTTX placed participants in the midst of a challenging road traffic accident scenario near Virpazar. 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.

• 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.

The event gathered 20 participants from across Montenegro’s key emergency response institutions. Representatives included professionals from the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, 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.

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. On the following day, a structured post-event feedback session and survey were conducted, ensuring that lessons learned would be captured and integrated into future preparedness planning.

Participants emphasized the importance of clear chains of command, timely access to toxicology expertise, and the need to strengthen hospital readiness for contaminated casualties. The discussions also underscored the necessity of improving public communication strategies in order to maintain trust and minimize panic during a CBRN crisis.

The successful organization of this first national CBRN training under Project 88 marks an important achievement for Montenegro. 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 Montenegro’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.”

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 Montenegro, the Podgorica exercise stands as a landmark moment — one that has enhanced interagency collaboration, tested real-world readiness, and contributed significantly to building a safer and more resilient future.

Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro

The completion of the third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Budva, Montenegro, from June 3 to 5, 2024, marked a significant advancement in bolstering the country's readiness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. Conducted through a partnership between the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU) and the Institute for Emergency Medicine of Montenegro, this event, integrated into the EU CBRN CoE Project 88, stands as a pivotal measure in augmenting Montenegro's preparedness for such crises.

Under the guidance of Montenegrin Master Trainers, the training showcased the unwavering commitment of the national team towards providing high-caliber education through localized endeavors. Thirty-seven participants engaged in practical exercises and simulations, gaining invaluable experience and insights into real-life emergency responses. The interactive nature of the training fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration among CBRN professionals, laying a solid foundation for Montenegro's emergency preparedness endeavors. This initiative resonates with the core objectives of Project 88, aimed at fortifying CBRN medical preparedness across Southeast and Eastern Europe.

Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Third National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro

Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro

Bijelo Polje, Montenegro, May 27-29, 2024—The Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), in partnership with the Institute for Emergency Medicine of Montenegro, concluded the second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training. Part of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88, this event marks a key milestone in strengthening Montenegro's preparedness for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

Led by Montenegrin Master Trainers, this training underscores the national team's commitment to providing high-quality instruction through local initiatives. This effort aligns with the goals of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88, which focuses on improving CBRN medical preparedness and response capabilities in Southeast and Eastern European countries.

42 participants engaged in hands-on exercises and scenario-based simulations, gaining practical experience and valuable insights into real-life emergency responses. The interactive training fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration among CBRN emergency professionals.

The success of this training sets a promising precedent for future initiatives in Montenegro's emergency preparedness. Details on upcoming training sessions will be announced soon, offering further opportunities for capacity-building and collaboration.

Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro Second National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro

Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training

Montenegro, May 15-17, 2024 - In a significant step towards enhancing emergency response capabilities, the Science and Technology Center in Ukraine (STCU), in collaboration with the Institute for Emergency Medicine of Montenegro, recently concluded the First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training. This landmark event, held as part of the EU CBRN CoE Project 88 'Strengthening of CBRN Medical Preparedness and Response Capabilities in South East and Eastern European (SEEE)countries' (Project), marks a crucial milestone in bolstering the country's resilience to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies.

The training program developed within the Project, aimed at empowering SEEE partner countries, focused on establishing sustainable training systems, providing essential equipment, and certifying CBRN Emergency Medicine Master Trainers in all participating countries including Montenegro. The initiative aims to ensure a coordinated and effective response to CBRN incidents by addressing the critical gap in preparedness and response across the region.

The successful completion of the First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training in Montenegro underscores the commitment of the Montenegrin National Team of Trainers to strengthening emergency response capacities. Supported by the European Union, the training equipped 50 participants from Montenegro with essential skills and knowledge tailored to various target groups.

The comprehensive training program catered to first-line responders, hospital staff, emergency managers, paramedics, and medical professionals, providing specialized instruction in pre-hospital management, hospital operations, strategic planning, resource allocation, and patient care in CBRN scenarios.

Through hands-on exercises and scenario-based simulations, participants gained practical experience and valuable insights into responding to real-life emergency situations. The immersive and interactive nature of the training facilitated knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration among professionals in the field of CBRN emergency medicine.

As Montenegro lays the groundwork for a resilient and coordinated response system, the success of the First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training sets a promising precedent for future initiatives. Detailed information on upcoming training sessions will be provided in the coming months, offering further opportunities for capacity-building and collaboration in CBRN emergency preparedness and response. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to stay updated for forthcoming critical training opportunities.

Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training Montenegro Successfully Concluded First National CBRN Emergency Medicine Training