Exchange of experience on NBC protection during major incidents
When it comes to the security of major events, the emergency services must also take into account NBC hazards - i.e. basically all nuclear, biological and chemical threats. The topic was therefore the focus of the NBC protection conference organized by the Federal Office for Civil Protection (FOCP) in Bern at the end of November 2024. Experts from the federal government, cantons and international specialist agencies met to exchange knowledge and experience.
Due to current political developments, awareness of NBC threats has increased. NBC protection is therefore of central importance when it comes to the security of major events. An important conference topic was therefore hazard management in the preparation of major events, for example the prioritization of simultaneous operations as well as warning the population in the event of an incident.
Another topic was the training of emergency personnel in the area of NBC protection - in addition to the NBC experts, as many other people as possible need to be trained in a short space of time. Parallels were identified across countries in the use of measuring equipment to secure event locations and best practices were exchanged.
The conference provided a platform for the various specialist agencies to share their experiences, concepts and approaches. It also provided important food for thought for further cooperation - for example with regard to dealing with the complexity of NBC incidents or interoperability at intercantonal level.
"NBC Protection Switzerland" strategy for the Confederation and cantons
NBC protection basically comprises all measures to avert and prevent atomic (nuclear and radiological), biological and chemical threats and hazards. This includes prevention and the preparation of protective measures and, in the event of an incident, investigation, protection against contamination and infection, decontamination and medical treatment. The aim of NBC protection is to ensure that all technical, organizational, material and training-related preparations are made to prevent NBC incidents and minimize the impact of NBC incidents.
The existing "NBC Protection Switzerland" strategy is intended to serve as a common basis and guideline for prevention, intervention and coordinated management for the federal and cantonal partners involved in NBC protection. Based on defined NBC reference scenarios, it shows how the Confederation and cantons should work together to provide the best possible protection for the population in the event of NBC incidents. A continuous exchange between the specialist agencies involved is essential for effective cooperation in both preparation and incident management.
NBC protection as a joint task
Within the FOCP, the National Emergency Operations Center and Incident Management, Civil Protection and Training and the Spiez Laboratory perform important NBC protection functions. The FOCP also operates the NBC Office to network the players in NBC protection. These include the Federal NBC Exchange Platform (APABC), the Federal Commission for NBC Protection (KomABC) and the NBC Coordination Platform of the Cantons (KPABC). The NBC Protection Conference was also prepared in collaboration with these bodies.
Source: Federal Office for Civil Protection
