Large Scale Events & the Risk Posed by CBRN Threats
All the above-mentioned events, such as concerts and sports events, are held in large venues which are common targets of terror attacks. For example, the Olympic Games in Paris reportedly gathered 326,000 spectators who came to see the opening ceremony. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour concerts gathered between about 50,000 to 70,000 people. 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar was attended by 3.4 million spectators across multiple games. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be collectively held in North America with venues in the US, Mexico, and Canada.
An explosion or a shooting attack can cause immediate losses and panic reactions. However, CBRN threats may cause even greater harm for being invisible and silent, causing symptoms that can manifest immediately or within a few days or even weeks after a chemical or biological release. These threats can easily go undetected by the naked eye.
Thankfully, diligent preparation by numerous security and first responder forces continue to protect the tens of thousands of participants and concerts fans who frequent these events while utilizing cutting-edge technology.
Standoff chemical threat detection has evolved from down range visual monitoring to wireless detection. Now more options are available for coverage over great distances and wider viewable areas with devices like the Second Sight MS from Bertin Environics.
Screenshots of Second Sight MS footage recorded during on-site demonstrations at the Lumen Field in Seatle (on the left) and Levi Stadium in Santa Clara (on the right).
The following short clips represent actual footage of Second Sight MS demos performed in June 2024 in conjunction with local response authorities who will have oversight for security at these venues during the 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.
With Second Sight MS chemical gas cloud detector, developed nearly 15 years ago, large areas and venues can now easily be “watched” using Long Wave Infrared (LWIR). Viewable angles can be as wide as 60 and distances as far as 5Km. Boston Fire Department has implemented its use at numerous events including the Boston Marathon and had this to say:
“We’re impressed with the Second Sight MS, it is easy to deploy and with the wide area of coverage it offers. The Second Sight MS helps us identify airborne gas threats immediately upon release.”
Boston FD Special Operations
The Second Sight MS is portable, easy to deploy and can be integrated into your Command & Control Center to extend visibility over a wide area. Demos have been performed at several US FIFA World Cup 2026 sites and more are planned, including sites in Canada and Mexico.
Further more, Second Sight MS can also be used for Chemical Monitoring of Critical Sites & Infrastructures, such as industrial areas, where the early detection of leaks is crucial and fence line monitoring is usually necessary. Common gasses to be taken into account in these areas are methane, propane and ammonia.
Where to See the Second Sight MS?
The Second Sight MS will be on display at the following upcoming shows in the USA:
2024 Hotzone Conference
17-20 Oct 2024
Wyndham Houston, Houston, TX
CBRNe Convergence Orlando 2024
28-30 Oct 2024
Hilton Orlando, Orlando, FL
HMIC 2024
12-14 Nov 2024
Hilton Bahia Mar Hotel, FL
To learn more or to schedule a demonstration, please contact Business Development Manager, G. Robert Ladzinski directly utilizing the contact form below.
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