The 5th edition of NCT USA took place from May 7th to the 9th at the Hilton Dulles Hotel in the Washington, D.C. area. IB Consultancy, the CBRNe Society and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department’s HazMat Response Unit came together to welcome high-level government decision-makers from local, state and federal departments within the U.S. as well as from abroad. The 3rd edition of the NCT PRO Trainings was held in parallel to the conference for military and civil first responders, using the most advanced technologies available, provided by our sponsors and exhibitors. Their products were also exposed throughout the three-day event in the exhibition hall and during the Expo Tour.  

We would like to thank our Chairman, BG (ret.) William King, our delegates, event partners, exhibitors, speakers, and sponsors for making NCT USA the leading CBRNe event held in the USA in 2019! 

NCT PRO Trainings 

The trainings were handled by our partners Hotzone Solutions Group (HZS) and MAC7 Training Services and included four lifelike scenarios with which the training teams had to confront themselves. These settings were composed by a hotel room, a conference venue, a HVAC system and a suspect vehicle stationed at an airport parking lot.  

• NCT PRO USA welcomed six teams from the following organizations for a total of over 70 participants: 
• Arlington County Fire Department 
• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department HAZMAT Unit  
• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Search & Rescue Unit
• 52nd CST National Guard, Ohio (4 Units) 
• D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department 
• 7th CST National Guard, Missouri  

Each training session featured a briefing for the trainees provided by our sponsors, in order to make sure that all parties involved possessed the knowledge and could maneuver the equipment used during the trainings.  

Among the many scenarios organized during NCT Pro Trainings, one included an emergency call scenario: an ambulance responded to a call from the resident of an apartment who suffered from injuries as a result of direct contact with an unidentified liquid.  

Upon arrival at the site, the rescue team found the victim in the stairwell with burns on his arms, in state of distress and speaking incoherently about bottles and lab equipment in a room he had rented out to a student. Therefore, the ambulance personnel decided to call specialized units to deal with the situation. After being briefed, the training teams went into action, as shown below.  

After three days of intense trainings, the CBRNe Society and IB Consultancy would like to express their gratitude and appreciation both to the participating teams for their commitment and to our sponsors and training partners for providing and running the training scenarios. We hope to see you again next year!  

Conference 

The Opening and Closing Plenaries featured an impressive line-up of CBRNe professionals who all addressed extremely relevant and engaging topics.  

Among many, Dr. Robert Kadlec (Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health & Human Services, USA) discussed the National Biodefense Strategy and how the United States is developing resilience to biological threats. Dr. Eric L. Moore, (Director, CCDC Chemical Biological Center, Army, USA) explained how, nowadays, rapid technological advancement is shaping the response mechanisms against chemical and biological threats, while Dr. Ronald Hann (Director, Chemical/Biological Technologies Department, DTRA, USA) highlighted the role of technology in defending civilians from CBRNe threats.  

Col. LeAnne Moore (CWMD Division Chief, US Air Force) and Mr. Douglas Bryce (Joint Program Executive Officer for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, JPEO-CBRND, USA), among others, closed the event outlining the roles of their organizations in protecting the United States.  

A key recurring element that was stressed by several speakers is the cooperation of all of the departments involved in countering CBRNe threats, as a cohesive action against such dangers is far more effective.  

Conference session speakers also addressed the theme of developing a common response to CBRNe threats, aiming at improving past and present best practices in order to shape more efficient ones for the future.  

Collaboration between the public and the private sector as well as the use of technology were used as relevant factors capable of countering CBRNe threats. In the USA, as well as in many other countries, it is of key importance to adopt a multi-level and interdisciplinary approach in order to face the complexity of the challenges CBRNe threats can pose. 

As Anna Paternnosto, (Director of Governmental Affairs for IB Consultancy and Vice-President of the CBRNe Society) stressed, “CBRNe is a team sport” and we need all hands on deck in order to make this world a safer and more secure place! 

See you next year! 

Bringing the CBRNe community together once more, NCT USA 2020 will be held from May 5th to the 7th in the D.C. area. Expert insight, trainings for first-responders, the newest technologies and excellent networking opportunities will all be provided at next year’s event. Contact [email protected] to register now! 

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