From October 21 to 25, the Russian-Armenian humanitarian response center held training courses on "Organization of search and rescue operations in the rubble", as well as "Organization and implementation of rescue operations at heights using ropes" according to the order of the Director of RS - Deputy Minister of IA.

The training courses aimed at developing the skills and abilities of rope activity were in accordance with INSARAG standards, which were attended by the rescuers involved in the urban search and rescue teams of the Ararat, Lori, Shirak, Gegharkunik, Tavush Regional Rescue Departments of the Rescue Service.

The first phase of the training consisted of theoretical lectures held at "Crisis Management State Acadamy" SNCOwhile the practical exercises took place at the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center. In these sessions, faculty members from the Rescue Faculty participated directly to ensure the adherence to safety regulations and the proper execution of tasks.

During the theoretical and practical training sessions, rescuers acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to safely and effectively carry out rope activity for the evacuation of casualties.

The training courses organized by the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center were attended by rescuers from the Rescue Forces of the Rescue Service of MIA, as well as several rescuers from Armavir, Aragatsotn and Kotayk Regional Rescue Departments.

The courses consisted of 36 hours of training conducted by instructors from the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center. 

The purpose of the training was to introduce participants to innovative methods for organizing search and rescue operations in rubble and to enhance their professional skills.

The courses included both theoretical and practical components. After completing the theoretical phase, more emphasis was placed on the practical exercises, which were conducted in the territory of the Center under as realistic conditions as possible, using specially designed multifunctional training areas for this purpose.

During the theoretical training sessions, rescuers were introduced to the fundamentals of safety protocols, studied the technical specifications of hydraulic and pneumatic rescue equipment and learned the nuances of working with these tools. Additionally, they became familiar with the classification of rubble according to INSARAG standards.

The practical exercises included tasks such as casualties de-blocking, creating openings in reinforced concrete structures and safely extracting simulated them from rubble.

"I have been here as an instructor for six years and can say that there is a considerable interest among Armenian rescuers in similar training programs. The guys are very active and interested in every detail. I find it easy to work with them because I feel there is feedback, which is very rewarding", noted Igor Shestakov, the chief specialist-instructor of Professional Training at the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center.

Notably that the rescuers can participated in the training simultaneously in various directions within technologically advanced, modern multifunctional training areas, mobile training complexes and simulated modules at the training facility of the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center.