On February 10, an operational meeting was held at the Rescue Service by the led of Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan, summarizing the results of the Rescue Service's activities for 2024.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of IA-Director of RS Kamo Tsutsulyan, deputies, heads of structural and regional departments and rescuers.

In her opening remarks, the Minister welcomed the attendees and noted that the year ended with significant achievements. Various emergency situations were effectively managed, particularly highlighting the activity of the Rescue Service units in disaster zones of Lori and Tavush regions, as well as the joint service of rescuers and water patrol officers during the swimming season. She expressed her gratitude to the entire staff for their tremendous efforts.

The reports were presented on various aspects of the activity of the Service and the measures taken.
RS Deputy Director Tigran Petrosyan delivered a report on the achievements of the Service in areas such as population protection in emergencies, improvement of the civil defense system and effective emergency response.

Regarding emergency call handling and response, he stated that a total of 13 572 emergencies and incidents were recorded in the country during the reporting period.

RS units saved 214 people. The rescuers pulled 5 756 stuck vehicles out of the roads due to various factors and moved 10 659 people to safe areas.

Extensive efforts were made in population protection, prevention of emergencies and mitigation of results. The Rescue Service personnel carried out enhanced patrolling in forested and vegetated areas during the summer to prevent and rapidly respond to wildfires.  As a result, wildfires decreased in 2024 compared to the previous year: 13 cases covering 13 ha in 2024 versus 22 cases covering 63.9 ha in 2023: grasslands mainly were burning. 

During the swimming season, round-the-clock patrols were conducted at three public beaches on Lake Sevan and along the coastal area of Shoghakat. As a result, 31 lives were saved: one from drowning and 30 others from various water-related accidents. There were no drownings in areas where the Rescue Service maintained patrols.

Tigran Petrosyan emphasized the close cooperation with the patrol service during the swimming season, during awareness campaigns in forested areas, in assisting stranded citizens, and in daily operations.

The meeting also covered the activities of the Rescue Service in disaster areas in Lori and Tavush regions.

From May 26 to June 16 146 fire units and 48 operative groups were deployed, involving 1,997 rescuers.

445 people were rescued and evacuated from various settlements in Lori and Tavush regions by rescuers and other involved forces.

Regarding the preparedness of rescue forces, Tigran Petrosyan noted that 264 special tactical exercises were conducted by the units of the Rescue Service in operative tactical readiness, courses, discussions and trainings were held with other departments and organizations.

A total of 476 rescuers enhanced their professional skills and knowledge last year, with 218 receiving qualification ranks.

Significant efforts were made in program development and implementation, civil protection system readiness, service organization, as well as the provision of medical and psychological assistance.

During the reporting period, projects were also carried out to improve management, communication and warning systems, implement computer programs, modernize and enhance the quality of radio communications, and ensure information technology security.

Regarding personnel policy, Tigran Petrosyan provided insights into the certification process for rescuers and recorded performance indicators.

Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan highlighted the importance of analyzing trends in emergencies and accidents recorded in 2024.

Discussions covered enhancing the disaster management system, particularly in areas such as operative headquarters deployment methodologies, organization of primary rescue actions and volunteer group response in specific situations.

In the context of landslide hazard mapping and movement assessment, Minister Sargsyan emphasized the necessity of creating an interactive map at the Crisis Management National Center, which would facilitate disaster risk analysis, policy development and service planning.

The activation of awareness-raising activities of rescuers in schools and other general educational institutions was emphasized, which will contribute to the formation of a safety culture among minors, guaranteeing a safe lifestyle.

Regarding the formation of a Unified Educational Institution within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Minister Sargsyan highlighted the professional training and retraining for rescuers, including the participation of leadership in training sessions. She also spoke about efforts to enhance the capabilities of staff, facilitate entry into the rescue service system and meet the Ministry’s human resource needs.

Discussing performance evaluation, discipline and ethics, Minister Sargsyan stated that under the new personnel evaluation methodology, each employee will be assessed solely based on their work results.

She also touched on structural changes within the Service, stating that ensuring a logical institutional framework will lead to more efficient management, better organization of services and improved public service delivery.

Deputy Minister Kamo Tsutsulyan expressed his gratitude to the Minister for her positive assessment of the activity by the Rescue Service. He assured that the Service is ready to take on even greater responsibility, address shortcomings, and achieve new milestones for 2025.

At the end of the meeting, the best-performing units and employees of 2024 were awarded for their outstanding service.