scope:

INTRODUCTION

PRELIMINARY

The aim of this standard is to outline the operational concept concerning the Rapidly Deployable Outbreak Investigation Team (RDOIT) for the investigation of outbreak(s) or incidents(s) where the intentional use of biological agents (biowarfare, bioterrorism or biocrime) cannot be excluded. These teams can be built on a national or multinational basis.

Nations agree that delays in identification of the causal agent of an outbreak may amplify a critical situation that has the potential to overwhelm existing medical resources, resulting in an unnecessarily high casualty rate and mission failure

Nations recognize the importance of on-site medical expertise for supporting operational decision-making

Nations accept that a RDOIT is necessary for investigation and advice on management of outbreak(s) or unexplained natural incident(s) presumptively due to a biological warfare, bioterrorism or biocrime agent that might affect military personnel

Nations agree that RDOITs require approval of the chain of command to engage in such activities. When civilians are affected, it is presumed that these activities will be coordinated between military and civilian authorities

Nations agree RDOITs should be able to operate under international tactical/operational control, when needed

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

The listed terms are referred to in the framework of this agreement under the following definitions:

Outbreak: The occurrence of greater numbers than expected cases of a disease with possible common origin, related in time and space, in humans or animals.

Incident: An unusual or unexpected clinical syndrome, or death, whether occurring in humans or animals, or a single case caused by an agent known or suspected to be related to biocrime, bioterrorism or biological warfare.