On 11 April 2025, experts from the Biohazard Prevention Centre of Faculty Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz, Sigoria, and Dynamic Safety Corporation, in collaboration with Aphrodite Hills Resort, conducted a comprehensive training session and validation visit for hotel staff in Kouklia, Cyprus, as part of the HOTHREAT project.

Aphrodite Hills Resort is a world-renowned, multi-award-winning destination for golf, leisure, and luxury living. The resort features the 5-star Aphrodite Hills Hotel by Atlantica, offering 290 rooms set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, with a wide range of restaurants, pools, and sports and leisure facilities.

The event included an introductory training session on CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats, focusing on prevention strategies and response procedures in the event of a terrorist attack. Participants also received hands-on training in the use of the Augmented Reality (AR) System and mobile CBRN application, designed to support hotel staff in managing CBRN emergency situations.

Hotel managers, security personnel, technical teams, and food services staff took part in an interactive simulation of a CBRN incident, allowing them to test and enhance their practical skills using innovative tools developed within the HOTHREAT project.

Feedback on the usability and effectiveness of the IT solutions and other security measures was collected and will play an important role in further refinement of the project’s outcomes.

 

 

The HOTHREAT project team is present at the Final Demo Event of the Horizon Project SAFE-CITIES    in Gorica on 26-27th March 2025.

The presented Safe Cities tools are innovative and useful for increasing the protection of public places. The developed solutions focuses on applying new technologies in Vulnerability Assessment, Security Management and Simulation of threat scenarios.

The event is a great opportunity for sharing good practices and networking with experts and stakeholders in the field of public security. Project has brought together law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and industry experts to enhance the protection of public spaces.

On 13 – 16 January, Atiram Hotels in Barcelona hosted Europe’s first large scale training and simulation of a chemical attack in a hotel infrastructure. The exercise is part of the EU-founded HOTHREAT project, which aims to enhance the security of hotels and conference centers in the context of #CBRN threats.

🔸 More than 100 people attended events!
Including the Catalan Services: the MOSSOS D`ESQUADRA, the Guàrdia Urbana, the Medical Emergency Service, the Civil Defense, the red cross RED Cross, the employees of the ATIRAM hotel chain, ISEM Institute, Center for Security Studies (KEMEA), Instituto Nacional de Técnica Aeroespacial «Esteban Terradas», as well as representatives of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz – Biohazard Prevention Centre, acting as coordinator of the project at the European level.

🔸 What was the scenario of the exercise?
The simulation depicted a situation in which a hazardous chemical is released from a backpack left outside the room door during a VIP visit to the hotel. The task of the hotel staff was to quickly recognize the danger, secure the site, and then carry out procedures related to evacuation and securing the injured.

It is worth mentioning that the role of the VIP was played by Mr. Joan Gaspart – President of the Barcelona football club in 2000-2003.

Thanks to organizers, experts and participants!

Events were widely covered by Spanish media:

https://www.catalunyapress.cat/article/barcelona/2025-01-15/5138823-serveis-demergncies-simulen-atac-quimic-hotel-barcelona

https://www.elperiodico.com/es/sucesos/20250115/servicios-emergencia-simularan-ataque-nuclear-hotel-barcelona-pedralbes-113406341

https://beteve.cat/societat/simulacre-mossos-atac-nuclear-quimic-hotel-pedralbes/

https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/5672603/0/los-servicios-emergencias-realizan-este-miercoles-un-simulacro-ataque-nuclear-radiologico-biologico-quimico-barcelona/

https://www.abc.es/espana/simulacro-barcelona-ante-posible-ataque-quimico-minimizar-20250115190306-vi.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

 

 

How can transmission occur❓

Transmission can occur through one or more of the following channels:
– Airborne: Transmission via inhaling aerosol particles emitted by an infected person while coughing, talking, singing, or through general atmospheric dispersal of microbial aerosols.
– Contact: This includes both direct contact with infected persons or animals and indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or materials.
– Vertical: Transmission from mother to child, typically in utero or through bodily fluids exchanged during childbirth.
– Vector Transmission: Spread through insect bites, such as those from infected mosquitoes, ticks, or mites.
– Foodborne and/or Waterborne: Consumption of contaminated food or water, which may introduce infectious agents.

Routes of Entry into the Human Body 🚺
According to CDC guidelines, infectious agents can enter the human body through several primary routes:
– Cutaneous and associated mucous membranes
– Digestive mucosal route
– Eye and Conjunctival route
– Urogenital route
– Respiratory route
– Parenteral route

These new guidelines are set to improve awareness and management strategies regarding transmission risks, with full details available soon in the document “D.3.3 Guidelines for epidemiological enquiry”.

The guideline concerns food protection developed by (UniLodz) Uniwersytet Łódzki, National Institute of Aerospace Technology, Polícia de Segurança Pública, Polaris (DoubleTree by Hilton), Hotel Boss Warszawa, Atiram Hotels, Center for Security Studies (KEMEA).

Photo: Adobe Stock