TEDAX Facts for Kids

A robot called Telerob tEODor used by the Spanish Army to handle bombs.

TEDAX stands for Technician Specialist in Deactivation of Explosive Artifacts. It is the Spanish name for special teams that deal with bombs and other dangerous explosives. Their main job is to safely remove or deactivate these items.

These brave teams work to protect people from explosive devices. They are a very important part of keeping Spain safe.

What Do TEDAX Teams Do?
- Police TEDAX vs. Military EOD
- High-Tech Tools for Safety
History and Importance
- Dealing with Other Dangers
- The Risks They Face
See also

What Do TEDAX Teams Do?

TEDAX teams are experts in handling anything that could explode. This includes bombs, old military ammunition, and other dangerous items. They use special tools and training to make sure these explosives don't harm anyone.

They often work with police and military groups. Their work is very risky, so they are highly trained.

Police TEDAX vs. Military EOD

In Spain, there are two main types of these expert teams:

TEDAX teams work with the police. You can find them in the Civil Guard, the National Police Corps, and some regional police forces like the Mossos d'Esquadra and Ertzaintza. They usually deal with explosives found in cities or civilian areas.
EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) teams work with the military. These units are in the Army, Air Force, and Navy. They often handle military explosives, like old bombs or missiles. They also work in other countries as part of international missions.

The military teams changed their name to EOD in 2001. This was to match international standards, especially because Spain joined NATO. NATO is a group of countries that work together for defense. The EOD name also shows that they handle all kinds of unexploded military items, not just bombs.

High-Tech Tools for Safety

TEDAX and EOD teams use amazing technology to do their job safely.

Robots: They have special robots that can go near explosives. These robots can examine the device or even move it without putting a person in danger.
Bomb Suits: When a person has to get close, they wear heavy, protective suits. These suits are designed to shield them from an explosion.
Special Equipment: They also use X-ray machines, special tools to disarm devices, and other high-tech gear.

This technology helps them work from a distance and stay as safe as possible.

History and Importance

TEDAX units were first created in Spain in the 1970s. They became very important in the fight against dangerous groups. They played a key role in dealing with explosives from groups like ETA. They also helped after the terrible 2004 Madrid train bombings.

Outside of Spain, military EOD units are essential for the international operations. They work in places where there are many old bombs or dangerous devices left over from conflicts.

Dealing with Other Dangers

These units are also trained in CBRN defense. This means they can handle chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. This makes them even more important for national safety.

The Risks They Face

Working with explosives is extremely dangerous. Sadly, some brave members of these units have lost their lives while protecting others.

The first police TEDAX member to die was Rafael Valdenebro Sotelo in 1978. He was trying to disarm an explosive device.
Many other police officers were hurt or killed trying to defuse bombs.
In the Armed Forces, Captain Fernando Álvarez Rodríguez was the first victim. He died in 1993 while on a mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

These individuals are remembered for their courage and sacrifice.