In May, a delegation of three volunteers of the Malta Red Cross Gozo Branch, two staff nurses from the Gozo General Hospital and two fireman benefited from the Leonardo programme to participate in a CBRN course organised by the Italian Red Cross. CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear) is a specialised area within the rescue field focusing mainly on the effect of weapons of mass destruction and industrial accidents.

This course prepares specialised personnel for mass decontamination of persons and objects which are subjected to Chemical, Biological or Nuclear-Radiological contamination.

The CBRN course was completed in two weeks under the supervision of the Corpo Militare in Rome. It consisted of a extensive theoretical preparation of the contaminants used (both in terrorist and industrial accidents scenarios) and the use of personal protective equipment.

After the theoretical preparation was completed, the participants had to practise the skills learnt, in practical scenarios. The first practical session introduced the use of personal protective equipment, which in such scenarios is vital. This included wearing of protective masks and clothing. Another scenario was the preparation decontamination structures, such as the decontamination tent. This piece of equipment is used mainly for decontaminating a large amount of casualties. The delegation also had to carry casualties, while wearing the personal protective equipment.

Photograph shows the Malta Red Cross Gozo Branch Volunteers, Gozo General Hospital staff and Civil Protection Department staff with instructors and Com. Rossano.

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