According to the action plan approved by the Director of the Rescue Service-Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Kamo Tsutsulyan, from January 15 to 17, 14 rescuers of Syunik, Lori, Shirak, Tavush, Gegharkunik and Ararat Regional Rescue Departments of the Rescue Service participated in a three-day training course on "Organization of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team exercises according to INSARAG EXCON international standards" at the Rescue Faculty of the Crisis Management State Academy.

The purpose of the training was to train the staff of the Regional Rescue Departments of the Rescue Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to strengthen their knowledge, so they could later organize and conduct exercises more effectively and correctly. This would help in areas such as team evaluation, response standardization and efficient coordination of actions. The training was conducted by the lecturers of the academy in the form of theoretical and classroom-based practical sessions.

During the training, rescuers were introduced to the international response system for search and rescue operations in collapsed settlements following an earthquake and its key components. They were also familiarized with the levels, structure, main tasks and capabilities of USAR teams according to the INSARAG external classification international standards. The training covered the description of the field exercise for a medium-sized USAR team, its organizational phases, as well as the functions of the organizing and control group as EXCON.

The training also involved studying the necessary documentation for organizing a field exercise for a medium-sized USAR team in compliance with INSARAG external classification international standards. Participants reviewed the evaluation methodological guidelines according to the requirements for the checklist of the external and internal classification. Additionally, the rescuers were thoroughly introduced to the methodological instructions for preparing the sites where the practical work for the medium-sized USAR team’s field exercise would be carried out.

The rescuers actively participated in the training. The knowledge and experience gained during the sessions will be applicable in their work, contributing to positive outcomes.

As a conclusion to the retraining course, participants were given classroom-based practical tasks, such as planning, organizing, and presenting a field exercise for a medium-sized USAR team. Their knowledge was tested and upon completion, participants were awarded certificates.