Preparedness of Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic for CBRN threats

Abstract

The Czech Republic has established Integrated Rescue System for crisis management. An integral part of this system is the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, which plays a key role in this system because firefighters have the position of officers in charge. Moreover, the Fire and Rescue Service is also responsible for the Civil Protection, which also includes protection against CBRN hazards. Originally, firefighters were mainly focused on industrial and traffic incidents connected with the leakage of chemicals. However, after several dangerous terrorist attacks across the world, tasks and equipment of the FRS CR needed to be updated to cover all CBRN threats.