MELODY

Project description

The 2017 CBRN action plan, released by the European Commission, states that while terrorist groups have yet to use chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear agents in attacks in Europe, there are credible indicators suggesting they might. In the event terrorist groups are preparing to attack with CBRN agents, it is imperative that first responders are prepared as well, and that their needs are considered as the training curriculum is developed. Also addressed in the CBRN action plan is the fact that “the need for strengthening EU cooperation and for reinforcing resilience against CBRN threats in terms of prevention, preparedness and response, requires significant investments on the part of Member States” and the call for closer cooperation and utilization of synergies across borders. MELODY will address these needs by creating a harmonized CBRN training curriculum for first responders, which can be implemented across the EU, thus improving cooperation and joint resilience.

Execution
While CBRN training tends to be scarce and limited among most first responders across EU member states, training approaches and procedures also varies significantly between countries. MELODY will consider this, along with the differences in training needs ranging from ground level staff to officers in command and control functions. Additionally, information and skills acquired in training need to be kept alive to serve its purpose, the training materials will therefore be adapted for different types of training required for different functions and the training tools will facilitate repeated trainings.

The specific objectives of MELODY include:

• An exhaustive inventory of existing CBRN training curricula for first responders and medical staff in the EU
• Consultation with practitioners at all levels regarding existing curricula
• Identifying differences between existing curricula and the current needs of end users
• Promote harmonization of preparedness and response to CBRN incidents across the EU and foster cross-border cooperation through a joint training program
• Develop a training program to be tested and used in a number of member states
• Foster cross-sector cooperation through multi-agency training
• Ensure end-users’ perspectives and needs are considered in the development of the training materials

Results
At the end of the three-year project, it is expected that a complete, fit-for-purpose and quality assured and controlled CBRN training curriculum will be delivered. MELODY’s success will be measured by indicators such as.

• The measured quality of the training programs
• The measured use of training tools and facilities
• The adoption of the proposed curriculum by EU member states