May 15 – Whether it’s an accident or a terrorist attack, Italy and Europe respond with an integrated plan. In case of a chemical, bacteriological, radiological or nuclear emergency, Italy can now say that it will answer promptly and efficiently, thus confirming its pioneering role, acquired thanks to the contribution of the European project that examined “integrated” responses to such crises. The project was coordinated by Andrea de Guttry, Director of Dirpolis (Law, Politics, Development), and Professor of International Law at the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna in Pisa. The program recently came to a conclusion with an event at the Permanent Mission of Italy, at the European Union headquarters in Brussels. The project – explains a note from Sant’Anna – served to define the guidelines that must be followed in case of emergencies of this nature, for accidental or intentional reasons, both in Italy and in Europe, with particular attention to interactions in the Italian context. During the various stages, the researchers were able to see which were the most critical steps, the strengths and weaknesses, and consequently develop procedure manuals used at the European level. In general, the aim of the project, which saw the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa take the lead, was to define a common approach in response to these kinds of emergencies. We collaborated with University of Rome – Tor Vergata and the Pisa command of the national corps of firefighters. “The success of the project, confirmed by the Brussels conference, – said de Guttry – is a starting point to explore a subject that is becoming increasingly relevant. A timely and effective response to such events depends on the use of equipment and sophisticated technology as well as on the coordination capacity of the actors that face the emergency, such as fire fighters, police and armed forces, civil protection and first aid workers. Thus, updated and joint training is crucial if we want to save lives and reduce property damage.” (Red)
