Project 54

Project description

The main goal of the project is to enhance the systems in place for medical preparedness and medical emergency response to CBRN incidents in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon. These three countries need to improve and expand their current resources to mitigate and respond to a CBRN incident and the following emergency scenario. Project 54 focuses on health services. While different responders have different responsibilities, medical responders need to ensure appropriate safety measures are taken and that emergency departments, ambulance services and other providers take the necessary measures to save lives, protect the public’s health and safety, and treat potentially large numbers of contaminated casualties. Rapid response is essential to limit damage.

Background
The European Union is looking to grow and develop its relationship with Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon and is committed to a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship. The EU seeks to help each of these countries develop into a stable, democratic, politically open and economically strong neighbour. The three countries are currently facing immense challenges, politically and economically as well as in terms of environment, climate and population. The Syrian conflict and refugee crisis have also had tremendous impact on the nations. While Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon have different systems in place for healthcare, they all display fragmented structures where public and private sectors operate without a common or comprehensive approach. Lack of management, duplication of services, poor accessibility, and shortage of skills and services, are just a few examples of problems obstructing healthcare in these nations. While management of the medical effects of a disaster is one of the most difficult tasks to be performed by medical personnel, all three countries share a common interest in improving their national capabilities with respect to medical preparedness and emergency response to CBRN incidents.

Execution
During the duration of the project, the following tasks will be addressed

• The initiation/establishment of National Training Centres in Medical Emergency, which are able to provide accredited/internationally recognized training programs, including the 'train the trainers' competences
• The establishment of policy, guidelines and protocols on medical management and treatment of different CBRN casualties (possible international best practices and standards)
• Training for medical responders and paramedics (first and secondary) to manage CBRN incidents, both in the field and in the hospital
• A draft list of the of appropriate equipment and decontamination infrastructures needed in hospitals
• Conducting practical exercises in medical response to the CBRN incidents
• Sharing of good practices in some of the PCs in terms of emergency medical services

Results
Project 54 is expected to result in the following

• Initiated/established national training service in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon for medical and paramedical responders, a network of trained national supervisors/trainers and the development of training/learning materials, including case studies of regional relevance
• Guidelines for medical preparedness and response measures at local and national level
• Strengthened national and regional capacities with respect to medical preparedness for CBRN incidents
• Strengthened national and regional capacities with respect to medical emergency response and limited human and environmental consequences following a CBRN incident in the three countries

Learn more about the project.