The introduction of international standards for rapid and effective disaster response contributes to the development of the capabilities of the rescuers of the MIA.

On January 15–16, the training was kicked off at the RA MIA Educational Complex aiming to increase the competitiveness and preparedness of national search and rescue teams in line with international assistance standards.

A two-day training was organized and conducted at the MIA Educational Complex for the leadership of urban search and rescue teams of the Regional Rescue Departments of the Rescue Service of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs on "EXCON, DISTAFF for the Leadership of Urban Search and Rescue Teams in accordance with INSARAG Standards", which aimed to prepare highly qualified specialists who will be able to organize and supervise field exercises in accordance with INSARAG international standards, using modern methodology and best international practice.

On the first day, the participants were introduced to the international response system for search and rescue operations in settlements destroyed by disasters and its main components. The structure of urban search and rescue teams in accordance with the international standards of INSARAG external classification, the main tasks and opportunities, as well as the stages of organizing field exercises and the functions of EXCON was discussed.

Then the participants developed practical skills. The necessary documents for organizing field exercises, methodological instructions for qualification assessment, site preparation activities were studied and the knowledge gained was applied in practice by planning a field exercise.

The two-day training provided the management team with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the field of international standards. The skills acquired will contribute to raising the international level of the national search and rescue system and ensuring readiness for the INSARAG external classification.