scope:

INTRODUCTION

GENERAL SCOPE OF THE DOCUMENT

STANAG 2529, covering document for AMedP-7.7, is related to "Rapidly Deployable Outbreak Investigation Team (RDOIT) ". The first edition of this STANAG has been promulgated on 29th October 2009.

RDOITs are intended to be used for the investigation of outbreak(s) or incident(s) where intentional use of biological agents (biowarfare, bioterrorism or biocrime) cannot be excluded.

AMedP-7.7 describes the operational concept for establishing RDOITs on a national or multinational basis. The present implementation guide has been prepared in order to help nations to bring it into practice.

This guide will be published as a Standards-related document attached to AMedP- 7.7 and covered by STANAG 2529.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

Infectious disease outbreaks are usually managed by MTFs, where prevention, diagnosis and treatment interventions are established and implemented. In contrast to other CBRN-incidents, the specific contribution of CBRN-units has to be considered minimal for identification or containment of bio-incident related outbreaks in humans. RDOIT missions therefore should be primarily considered as medical service specific missions.

However, RDOITs might also have the technical and scientific competence for investigation of any biological event according to SIBCRA standards (including environmental sampling and analysis).

According to AMedP-7.7, RDOITs should be characterized by their small footprint (in terms of manpower and materials) and the high level of expertise of their staff, in order to provide commanders with valuable advices.

RDOITs should be considered as small, highly specialised and autonomous teams which provide rapid military scientific support directly for operational decision-makers in an outbreak situation.

Basic tactical and logistical skills have to be covered by RDOIT leaders and team members.