PROTECTION OF PASSENGERS FROM CHEMICAL TERRORISM IN THE PRAGUE METRO

6^th International Conference on Medical Informatics & Telemedicine

July 05-06, 2018 | Berlin, Germany

Otakar J. Mika

Tomas Bata University, Czech Republic

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Health Med Informat

Abstract :

The author of the article considers vulnerability of the Prague Metro (subway) to a possible chemical attack. Possible threat of nerve agent attack is discussed hereafter and the system of subway protection is described. Based on complex assessment of toxicity and evaporableness of individual nerve agents, sarin was found the most dangerous substance applicable in a subway attack. Use of the protection system in a case of a subway nerve agent attack and the conditions for distribution of contaminants are examined and several possible scenarios are considered. Resulting from the analyses of possible distribution of a nerve agent and from characteristics of underground spaces, a couple of detailed recommendations to protect passengers and staff against chemical terrorism in subway are suggested. The authors describe long negotiations of the responsible state bodies concerning a creation of a new plan for protection against chemical terrorism in the Prague subway. This plan was accepted and published in mid 2013. A new management plan is not public for obvious reasons. At the end of 2014 a verification exercise took place to assess the prepared management plan in the Prague subway. Finally the article indicates the main findings and experiences from this important verification exercise.

Biography :

Otakar J. Mika is senior university teacher with more than 23 years of experience at several universities in the Czech Republic. He is a senior investigator and contributor to research projects in the Czech Republic for its Ministry of Interior and Technological Agency. He is a professional qualified in the field of Radiation Protection (SONS certificate is valid from 2013 to 2023), and the court-appointed expert in the field od evaluation of the cases and impacts of Industrial Chemical Accidents (appointed by the Regional Court in Brno, Czech Republic on 30 June 2008). He currently works at one university, and he has a full-time job at the Faculty of Logistics and Crisis Management in Uherske Hradiste, Czech Republic.

E-mail: mika@utb.cz