Rapid detection and identification of chemical hazards can save lives. Targeting chemical hazards at low concentrations in gas and liquid phase and in various environments, the EU-funded SERSing project will develop microdevices that can be integrated in low-weight handheld Raman equipment. Designed for first responders, this reliable and ultrasensitive lab-on-chip technology is based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). It can also be customised to combine communication and geolocation technologies. The project will also enable the miniaturised platform to be mounted on robotic units that can be deployed at dangerous incident scenes.