Ukraine: 500 experts take part in first exercise
On 27–29 September 2021,over 500 participants from national rescue and fire service teams took part in the ‘EU-CHEM-REACT-2’ full-scale field exercise.
By Knowledge Network – Staff member
Ukraine: 500 experts take part in first exercise since COVID-19
Experts from Latvia, Moldova and Poland travelled to Ukraine to participate in an exercise on mitigating major chemical, biological and natural disasters. Coordinated by the European Union Civil Protection Team (EUCPT), it was the first EU field exercise since the outbreak of COVID-19. As well as the teams engaged in the exercise, representatives from 17 European countries and the European Commission were present, including EU observers and VIPs.
The exercise scenario reflected the increasing complexity of real-life chemical emergencies and natural disasters, and tested the teams’ ability to respond to three distinct emergencies happening simultaneously across the region.
The scenario included a train transporting chlorine derailing, destruction of a water chlorination installation during a European Games football match, and the threat of flooding at a major chemical plant in Moldova.
Different teams and services worked together to respond to the training scenario: the emergency response services of Ukraine and Moldova, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), and international teams representing various capacities, from water pumping to boat rescue and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) response. The exercise also introduced the potential threat of trans-boundary movement of air pollutants, requiring international exchange of information and cooperation between neighbouring countries.
The exercise was based on the EU-CHEM-REACT-2 Field Exercise Handbook – Situation Manual. Ensuring COVID-19 safety and security during the exercise was fundamental. Based on Ukrainian and EU safety rules and the COVID-19 manual, the participating teams were separated and followed strict logistics, accommodation, meal and sanitary rules. All participants were vaccinated, and intervention teams were tested for the virus before entering the exercise venue.
In the test scenario, Ukraine requested international assistance through the UCPM based on the anticipated intensity and potential negative health, environmental, security, and international impacts of the disasters. In the scenario, Latvia and Poland were ready to provide the rescue capacities requested by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC). Moldova offered its assistance to Ukraine based on trans-border cooperation.
The onsite provision of international assistance was coordinated via the ERCC through a EUCPT, supported by a technical assistance team (TAST). As well as coordinating the exercise, the EUCPT also provided information updates, reported to the ERCC, and assisted in situational assessments. The Ukraine Local Emergency Management Authority (LEMA) was responsible for the work of national and international responders. After an initial deployment of national capacity, LEMA deployed international assets after deciding the worsening situation required it.
“Thanks to the EU-CHEM-REACT project, we improved Ukraine’s preparedness and response capacities and cooperation within the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. We are ready to train members of the UCPM and other relevant European staff at the University of Life Safety.”
All of the operations ran smoothly, increasing the knowledge of the UCPM in Eastern Europe and improving collaboration for responding to chemical disasters in a trans-border context. The exercise highlighted the need for simplified border-crossing procedures to carry out international rescue operations, and also demonstrated that Moldova and Ukraine were very prepared to cooperate with the UCPM. Senior Moldova and Ukraine participants confirmed the importance of the EU-CHEM-REACT 2 project and the scenario exercises for their alignment with UCPM and EU civil protection tools. Ukraine proposed developing a draft roadmap for its membership of the UCPM.
The exercise was a core element of the EU-CHEM-REACT 2 project, funded by the EU. The project addressed a need to improve prevention, preparedness and response to chemical and natural disasters simultaneously affecting participating countries through a series of exercises to test and enhance national capacities, use of the UCPM, and trans-border and international cooperation“. “This exercise fully implemented the vision and practice of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network as an inclusive, multi-stakeholder hub to share knowledge and expertise, good practice and cooperation between professionals. Given the significant national potential and capacities within the Eastern Neighbourhood countries and their wish to input into the Knowledge Network, I am convinced that the development of the Knowledge Network will in practice implement EU civil protection without borders.
“This exercise fully implemented the vision and practice of the Union Civil Protection Knowledge Network as an inclusive, multi-stakeholder hub to share knowledge and expertise, good practice and cooperation between professionals. Given the significant national potential and capacities within the Eastern Neighbourhood countries and their wish to input into the Knowledge Network, I am convinced that the development of the Knowledge Network will in practice implement EU civil protection without borders.”
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The Knowledge Network – Staff member
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