DETECTION
JOHN SAUNDERS explains the technology behind CBRN response training M
ethods of training for CBRN response until recently depended heavily upon such unsophis- ticated methods as responding to hand-written signs that quoted the level of ‘radiation’ present at a given location. This method had
its merits but was also deeply fl awed, as it did not allow trainees to develop an eff ective understanding of how detection instruments should be used and display readings interpreted. Other methods posed further problems: for example,
responder trainees have taken part in exercises while carrying real detection instruments, using them ‘live’ to search for small quantities of simulants. Clearly, this method poses a degree of personal risk to trainees, since even small quantities of simulants can pose a real health hazard. Using real detectors in training is also a risk to the organization that is conducting the training as it temporarily takes equipment out of service. What’s more, this method poses the additional risk of equipment being damaged and decommissioned while it is repaired and recalibrated, or worse still, replaced.
Portable simulators for rapid response Modern simulators bring great fl exibility to the planning of CBRN/HazMat emergency training exercises. An innovative simulation system, PlumeSIM, designed to allow training instructors to remotely manage CRBN and HazMat simulation exercises was showcased at this year’s I/ITSEC (Interservice/ Industry Training, Simulation and Education Conference) in Orlando, Florida. The system has been developed for use by military and fi rst-responder training organizations and enables a single instructor to confi gure simulated chemical and radiological releases across a wide area, and then to monitor and manage multiple trainees in real time from a central location. When used with chemical and radiological detector simula-
tion instruments from Argon, PlumeSIM enables users to plan exercises on a PC or laptop without system hardware, off ering a portable simulation system with easy-to-use menus that can be swiſt ly set up and used to create a virtual emergency scenario. It
44 CBNW 2013/01
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