Better Preparedness and Protection of Passengers against Chemical Terrorism in the Prague Metro

Abstract

The CBRN incidents are on the rise and there is a need for clear understanding of threats, vulnerabilities and modus operandi for reliable prevention and fast and effective response. Managing CBRN incidents, all prevention, preparedness and response, are multi-agency affairs seeking fine coordination and clear understanding of rules and jurisdictions. Any response needs to be speedy and coordinated to avert casualties and prevent escalation. Chemical terrorism is a serious security threat not only in the Czech Republic, but all over the world. Its imminence and danger are given by many different facts such as the previous experience of actual chemical attacks (Japan 1994 and 1995), the appearance of new terrorist groups, changes, and reactions to political changes, growing national minorities even in the Czech Republic, religious fanatism, many more reasons, etc. The Czech Republic has developed a unique crisis plan for all components of the Integrated Rescue System (IRS), the so-called Type Activity. Type activity No. 13 was prepared for more than 3 years as an inter-ministerial meeting at the highest level. It has an official title: Reaction to a chemical attack in the Metro and counts a total of 108 pages of professional text, this material is not public. The standard activities of the IRS units during a joint intervention (hereinafter referred to as “type activities”) are processed in accordance with Section 18 of Decree No. 328/2001 Coll. of 5 September 2001 on certain details of IRS security, as amended by Decree No. 429/2003 Coll. Type activities are issued by the Ministry of the Interior - General Directorate of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, Department of IRS and Service Performance. Many practical tests implemented in the Prague underground showed how to prepare and protect passengers against threats and effects of chemical terrorism. Passenger lifesaving, protection of their health and safe transport represent permanent priorities of the Prague Public Transit Company. The Prague tube passengers are to be informed about the threat of a possible chemical attack in a suitable way. They will also be shown simple and effective protections against a possible chemical attack. Travelling comfort and a high level of security of the tube passengers will be enhanced by their awareness of the new thorough emergency response plan that organizes all the essential activities after a possible attack and also by their consciousness of outstanding preparedness of rescue bodies.