The capabilities building to respond effectively and quickly to emergency situations has been a priority of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. On November 3–5 and November 12–15, the specialists from the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Situation Monitoring Division of the Population Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction Department of the Rescue Service to sustain activities in this field conducted professional training sessions on “First Response to Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Accidents” in Tavush and Syunik provinces.

34 rescuers from the specialized groups responding to radiation, chemical and biological emergencies of Ijevan and Kapan fire and rescue squads were involved in both the theoretical and practical stages of the training.

The primary objectives of the training program were to develop the professional skills, practical experience and application of safe activity principles in emergency conditions of the specially specialized groups of Ijevan and Kapan fire and rescue squads. This, in turn, will strengthen the readiness and response efficiency of the regional rescue departments, ensure the protection of the population and support an organized and effective response to emergency situations.

In order to ensure the effectiveness of the training and develop the potential, the fire and rescue squads trained within the framework of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Defense joint program of the Office of Defense Cooperation of U.S. embassy in the Republic of Armenia were provided with modern equipment.

The Rescue Service will continue implementing measures to enhance the professional skills and strengthen the technical readiness of first responders, in order to ensure public safety and provide an operational and coordinated response to emergency situations.