On the third day of the Emergency and Crisis Management Conference...

13 January 2010 News

On the third day of the Emergency and Crisis Management Conference 2010, several experts and specialists spoke, including Frank Kongel, who discussed the assessment of risks and threats to nuclear facilities. He emphasized that there have been significant changes in how potential threats to nuclear facilities are handled and assessed since 1995. The importance of addressing these threats increased after the events of September 11, 2001. Before 1995, the focus was on minor accidents that could occur within nuclear reactors, like the Chernobyl disaster, with a focus on operational plans and equipment development. However, the threat landscape shifted after 1995 with the emergence of armed groups and increasing risks.

Kongel noted that since then, the United States has reached agreements to tighten security around nuclear facilities, with these preparations peaking during and after the September 11 attacks, which exposed a lack of comprehensive infrastructure and response plans for terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities. In response, emergency plans were developed to address any potential terrorist threats. He also stressed the need to review laws and regulations to enable security personnel at nuclear facilities to handle any potential attacks.

Mustafa Abdullah Al-Mousawi from Abu Dhabi Municipality discussed the role of municipalities and services in managing crises and emergencies. He highlighted the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) during emergencies, particularly in facilitating the movement of rescue teams to the scene of the event. He showcased the challenges of implementing GIS and how Abu Dhabi Municipality successfully managed these challenges through optimal coordination among various government entities in Abu Dhabi, such as the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Information and Communication Technology Authority.

One of the achievements of Abu Dhabi Municipality, he noted, is the implementation of a three-dimensional and four-dimensional mapping system, which, integrated with the new addressing system covering all areas of Abu Dhabi, will help rescue teams reach the site of an incident quickly and efficiently.

Dr. Saleh Fares discussed the Emergency Management and Health Care Program. He cited recent major incidents in the UAE and globally, questioning whether such events could be anticipated. He highlighted that although people do not expect such incidents, every population will face disasters, leading to numerous casualties, material damage, epidemics, and diseases. He emphasized the role of public health administrations in managing such situations and discussed the challenges they face, including dealing with large numbers of casualties, poor coordination among responsible sectors, high costs, and a shortage of qualified personnel.

He questioned what should be done to be prepared for crisis and emergency management, stressing the importance of moving from reactive to proactive measures and readiness. He recommended continuous development at both personal and institutional levels, clear and well-defined plans and strategies, scientifically-based programs, the formation of advisory committees for administrative support, and the necessity of annual evaluations.

Peter Holden talked about the role of doctors and nurses in major accidents and emergencies, highlighting the importance of preparedness for emergencies through training in first aid, evacuation, and immediate care of critical cases. He noted that during large-scale incidents and disasters, there is often a shortage of skills needed to handle such crises, particularly when specialized doctors are required on-site before transferring critical cases to medical centers.

He emphasized that rescue teams should prioritize safety during rescue operations, including their own safety, the safety of the scene, and the safety of the victims. He stressed the importance of using personal safety equipment correctly and being fully aware of the details of the incident while adhering to the chain of command and following instructions without distraction.

Dr. Peter Driscoll discussed medication collection in the UK, emphasizing the importance of pre-event planning for medication collection. He reviewed UK legislation related to this area and the different health sectors involved in data collection.

Meytha Al-Hubsi, Director of Communication at the Emirates Foundation for Social Development, highlighted the National Volunteer Program and announced the launch of the "Sandeed" initiative with generous support from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. She noted that this initiative was developed and launched based on scientific principles after reviewing successful global practices and visiting several countries.

Jackie Rashield, Director of the CERT Program in the UAE, reviewed volunteer experiences in the United States, which inspired the design of the UAE volunteer program. Leni Berklund, former Swedish Defense Minister, discussed the Swedish experience in civil defense during emergencies and crises, which was utilized in designing the UAE’s volunteer program.

Ahmed Al-Ketbi from Takatof reviewed the "Sandeed" program and its training programs for volunteers, which include basic and advanced courses. He added that "Sandeed" volunteers cover all areas of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and wear a uniform to facilitate their coordination with local authorities.

At the end of the third day's sessions, participants and speakers were honored. The conference, which began the day before, was sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Advisor and Chairman of the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority of the UAE.

The conference was held in cooperation with the National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority, the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, the National Center of Meteorology and Seismology, Dubai Customs, the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority, and the Abu Dhabi Health Authority.