Tasks

NBC protection covers all measures to defend against and prevent nuclear (N), biological (B) and chemical (C) threats and hazards.

The FOCP develops and operates secure communications networks for the rescue and security authorities and organisations or coordinates the necessary work. These systems include Polycom, SDVS (secure integrated data system) and MSC (mobile broadband secure communications).

In civil protection, hazard and risk analyses provide the basis for action planning in the areas of prevention and precaution for coping with catastrophes and emergencies.

Civil protection training focuses primarily on dealing with disasters and emergencies, and is a cantonal responsibility. The cantons are supported by the FOCP.

As part of this process, the CMS was renamed the National Network for Disaster Medicine (KATAMED), while the FOCP Partner Network unit has become the Disaster Medicine (KATAMED) unit.  These changes are aimed at helping healthcare partners in Switzerland to prepare for and respond to exceptional situations more effectively. KATAMED's tasks are based on a new vision that emphasises close cooperation in order to provide optimal healthcare in exceptional situations. While the main responsibility for healthcare remains with the cantons, the role of the FOCP is to facilitate this new vision. KATAMED's task is to help partners manage exceptional situations that have an impact on the healthcare sector. These include major incidents, disasters, emergency situations and armed conflict affecting several cantons, the whole of Switzerland or neighbouring countries, as well as situations that result in a large number of patients or have a particularly serious impact on health.

The Swiss federal government ensures that its own cultural property receives the necessary protection. Implementation is the responsibility of the cantons.

Resources Management at Federal Level (ResMaB) coordinates the deployment of all resources that are available at the federal level.

The term „critical infrastructures“ refers to those facilities and organizations, whose disruption could cause severe damage on a supra-regional level, e.g. in the energy sector, the communication sector or in the transport sector. The Federal Office of Civil Protection FOCP is responsible for the coordination of the works in the field of Critical Infrastructure Protection.

Protective structures were designed primarily to protect the population (shelters), and to ensure the readiness of civil protection resources (protected premises) during an armed conflict.

Emergency meeting points are the first point of contact for the public in the event of a major incident, disaster or emergency.