Experts and decisions-makers from more than 20 government agencies in Saudi Arabia have learned more about their roles as first responders in the event of a radiological or nuclear emergency. At a training course organized online by the IAEA from 4 to 8 April—the first to be delivered for Saudi Arabia and the third conducted entirely in Arabic on this topic—trainers explained the responsibilities of first responders and provided the attendees with comprehensive guidance to facilitate the execution of their duties, ranging from site monitoring and decontamination to communication with the public.
“Following the training course, the participants are now familiar with the action guides associated with different responders and teams, and are now able to quickly detect an emergency and perform the necessary, initial tasks on the scene in a timely manner. These skills are crucial for an effective response,” said Muzna Assi, an Emergency Preparedness Officer at the IAEA.
The event was attended by 50 nuclear regulators, national guards, customs and port authority agents, and other officials. The participants were introduced to the basic principles and best practices which underpin an effective response to a radiological or nuclear emergency irrespective of the triggering event.
“Representing a wide variety of governmental and ministerial institutions and agencies, the interactive discussions among participants simulated the actual response in the event of any radiological or nuclear emergency irrespective of the cause,” explained Assi. “During working sessions, participants from different organizations worked on the tasks together, providing them with an opportunity to get to know each other’s fields of expertise and to enhance their cooperation within the country in future.”