The Brazilian Armed Forces are intensifying their preparations to ensure security during the upcoming BRICS summit, which will be held on July 6 and 7 in the city of Rio de Janeiro. In this context, a specialized unit from the Galeão Air Force Hospital (HFAG) recently took part in a joint exercise with the Army, Navy, and Fire Department, focused on responding to biological, nuclear, chemical, and radiological (CBRN) threats.
The training took place on Tuesday, June 17, at the iconic Forte de Copacabana and aimed to test the protocols, equipment, and personnel capabilities in the event of an attack during the summit, which will be attended by heads of state and international delegations. During the exercise, units from the Brazilian Navy (MB), Brazilian Army (EB), Brazilian Air Force (FAB), and the Rio de Janeiro Fire Department carried out a joint demonstration simulating responses to potential CBRN threats.
The drill recreated a scenario involving a chemical gas attack in a crowd during the arrival of an official. The various forces coordinated key actions such as identifying the threat, analyzing suspicious material, and executing decontamination procedures. Meanwhile, the medical team from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) performed pre-hospital care maneuvers on a contaminated victim, stabilizing the patient and then carrying out an aeromedical evacuation to a designated hospital.
Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Humberto Silva Fonseca, acting head of the HFAG’s CBRN defense area, highlighted the preparedness of the professionals involved, who are trained both nationally and internationally. He also emphasized the availability of personal protective equipment and specific medications for this type of emergency.
“In this simulation, we rescued a victim who required immediate intervention to save their life. After identifying the chemical agent, we administered antidotes, stabilized the patient, and transported them on an isolation stretcher to a specialized unit. If necessary, transport can also be carried out aboard a FAB aircraft,” explained Lt. Col. Silva Fonseca.
Lieutenant Colonel André Luiz Bifano da Silva, commander of the 1st Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Defense Battalion of the Brazilian Army, praised the speed and effectiveness of the operation. “In just fifteen minutes, we deployed all our assets to detect the chemical threat, assess its potential spread, decontaminate victims, and carry out evacuations—even by air. We also collected samples for laboratory analysis. All of this demonstrates the cohesion and operational capability of our joint forces,” he stated.
The execution of this type of exercise reaffirms the commitment of the Brazilian Armed Forces to national and international security, especially during high-level events such as the BRICS summit, which will bring together emerging powers to discuss major global challenges.
Images: Soldier Bouzin / III COMAR
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