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Case Studies - Recent Local Exercises

Exercise Merlin Aware

October 2005

The aim of the exercise was to practice multi-agency strategic command and staff procedures in the consequence management of a Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear (CBRN) incident.

Objectives of the exercise:

• Practice HQ 15 (NE) Brigade staff in Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA) procedures.

• Practice the operation of Gold Commands within County Durham & Darlington.

• Practice the co-ordination and information gathering tasks of Government Office North East Region Civil Contingencies Committee (GONE RCCC) including the exercise of Emergency Powers.

• Validate Regional CBRN Concept of Operations (CONOP).

• Practice communication and passing of information.

• Practice media operations.

All the agencies involved found the exercise a valuable test of their ability to respond to such an incident, and lessons were learnt regarding the roles and capabilities of other partners as well.

The exercise achieved its key objectives and received favourable comments on the planning and delivery phases. Whilst the "Recovery Phase" was not fully explored, it did provide a valuable insight into the issues such incidents would create. Durham & Darlington Civil Contingency Unit, on behalf of the Local Authorities, plan to hold an additional exercise to explore some of the issues more fully.

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