WNPU travelled to Mongolia to take part in a training initiative
12 July 2024
A member of the WNPU recently participated in a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Mitigation Centre of Excellence (CBRN) initiative.
Eleri Thomas, a Poisons Information Specialist, worked alongside several members of the PRECA (Preparedness and Response for Mass Gatherings and other Health Threats in Central Asia) Project 87 team in a training initiative implemented by the International Science and Technology Centre (ISTC). Eleri and colleagues would like to congratulate ISTC on achieving their 30th Anniversary; celebrating maintenance of global safety and promotion of peaceful scientific studies.
Eleri travelled to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and was primarily involved as an expert facilitator within a simulation table top exercise. The exercise focused on the preparedness and response plans of partner countries of Central Asia in response to their strategies in dealing with mass gathering incident scenarios (food safety and the provision of safe water, guarding against chemical threats and communication systems).
Local facilitators and exercise participants were supported by Eleri who ensured that the simulation objectives within the exercise were achieved. Eleri led an evaluation de-brief session, identifying challenges and gaps and the ‘lessons learned’ within the training exercise. A consolidated P87 report, containing these observations, will be available shortly via the ISTC website.
A further P87 training meeting was held in Astana, Kazakhstan. Eleri delivered presentations to the chemical Regional Working Group members. Presentations included: the management of poisoned patients following intentional and unintentional paracetamol ingestions, and a demonstration of the utilisation of UKPID (United Kingdom Poisons Information Database), used by the UK NPIS. Eleri also contributed to in-depth discussions concerning the necessities required for establishing Poison Control centres. Her experience and knowledge, as an experienced Poisons Information scientist, were well received.