Security and Crisis management are top priorities in most European countries. And rightly so, our society is growing in numbers and complexity. Our industries are expanding and becoming areas which can be considered a threat to humans and our environment. Between all this there is an infrastructure of motorways, airports and waterways, where transportation demands are increasing. The consequences are the increased demand for storage depots for half finished and finished products. Despite all precautions that we undertake to protect our society, one incident in such a complex environment, can lead to a chain reaction of circumstances that can only be described as a disaster.

Furthermore we are being confronted by new threats: climate changes create unusual weather conditions. Also due to worldwide globalising, the fall of communism, the open economy within Europe and the ease and speed with which people and information can travel the earth is not only a tribute to our society but also leads to increased terrorism and crime.

For you as rescue workers, whichever team you belong to, rests the task of containing and eliminating the risks and dangers that come with a serious disturbance of public safety. That a coordinated response of organizations and services is needed is already well known to your profession. The communications required to assist and support this co-ordination is therefore vital and in dire need of improvement.