The overall objective of the STBERNARD project is to improve the safety of first responders in risk or emergency situations, while reducing the number and severity of casualties and mitigating the environmental impact, especially in CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) threat situations and in events with large crowds. Intrinsic safety in explosive environments to prevent catastrophic explosions will also play an important role.

The project is based on research and development of advanced technologies to address the above CBRN threats. These technologies will include rapid sensors to detect hazardous aerosols and vapours, as well as rapid and massive decontamination methods. The focus is on bringing these technologies to a more advanced level of technological maturity, which will allow them to be ready for deployment in operational environments. These technologies are expected to provide rapid and portable protection against CBRN threats, which would benefit responders and the general public in the event of such an event.

In addition, mass decontamination of infrastructures and vehicles will be addressed, using technologies based on dynamic aerosol aggregation. The project also considers the decontamination of people in crowded places, such as stadiums or other public events, using the “Lung Cleaner” to treat the respiratory system of victims.

An additional aspect of this initiative is the analysis of the risks associated with CBRN threats in rescue and recovery operations. It is proposed to develop a modular artificial intelligence tool to generate specific operating procedures for first responders working in such events. These procedures and tools would significantly increase the safety of first responders, reducing the need to enter contaminated areas and minimising exposure.

The Fundación Valenciaport has a successful track record of participation in international R&D projects, such as the “prophetic” H2020 STAMINA project “Demonstration of Intelligent Decision Support For Pandemic Crisis Prediction and Management within and across European Borders” or the elaboration of the document “BUILDING PORT RESILIENCE AGAINST PANDEMICS” (BPR) for the United Nations.