Emergency preparedness training and exercises in Sweden

The National Swedish Board of Rescue and Fire Services bears the overall responsibility for co-ordinating the various branches of Sweden's rescue system. It is also responsible for the organization and administration of training and exercises for personnel in the emergency service for nuclear accidents. Sweden's training programme is in two parts, one that provides the basic training, and one that covers drills and exercises. Basic training is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical experience relating to various duties within the emergency organization. The purpose of exercises is essentially to maintain the knowledge acquired during basic training, and rehearse personnel in the performance of their intended duties. There are various types of exercise: drills or 'functional' exercises, staff exercises, and major or large-scale exercises. All exercises are evaluated, and provide a basis for changes and improvement in the emergency plan and organization, and in the training system. (author)