Capacity Building
Training Cycles

Full Training Cycles

Since 2014, a full training cycle has been created that combines basic, advanced and exercise training. The full training cycle is provided to a complete team of first responders in one calendar year, and is implemented at the regional and international level. The initiative facilitates the exchange of information regarding the implementation of Article X and promotes regional networking. The regional approach allows for better targeting of national and regional capacity building needs.

Basic Training

Basic training provides participants with an introduction to assistance and protection, covering all aspects of protection against and response to a chemical incident. This includes an introduction to the types and characteristics of toxic chemicals; protective equipment; the detection, sampling, monitoring, and decontamination of toxic chemicals; chemical emergency response; and incident management.

The basic level course is a mixture of theory-based lectures, demonstrations of equipment, and practical training sessions. By the end of the course, the participants have a basic knowledge of chemical warfare agents and their actions, protective equipment and its limitations, detection and decontamination equipment and procedures, and are able to don and remove personal protection suits.

Advanced Training

Advanced Training deepens the knowledge obtained in basic training to enhance and further develop chemical emergency response capabilities of States Parties. Practical training on the proper use of different types of equipment and techniques, in detection, sampling and decontamination activities, as well as in the management of complex emergency situations though the establishment of an incident command system, among other practices, is received as a result of this sort of training.

The objective of the advanced course is to provide participants with knowledge on how to respond to a chemical incident and delivered instruction in the use of protective equipment, types and characteristics of chemical warfare agents, and detection and decontamination. Participants have the opportunity to practice skills while wearing chemical protective clothing and are able to experience some different types of detection and monitoring equipment.

Field Exercise

The Exercise is an opportunity to practice and confirm the knowledge and skills acquired during the basic and advanced trainings. Participants have the opportunity to respond to a simulated chemical incident while wearing chemical protective clothing and to experience operating different types of detection and monitoring equipment.