The next tactical-special exercise of the International Search and Rescue Team of the MES was held with the participation of AFAD representatives (video, photo)

To prepare for the classification of the International Search and Rescue Unit of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) a 36-hour continuous tactical-specialized exercise was conducted on August 28-29, 2024, involving the personnel of the Ministry’s International Search and Rescue Unit, Emergency volunteers, staff of the Administration of the Regional Medical Divisions (TABIB) and specialists from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of the Republic of Türkiye in the areas of Turkan and Hovsan settlements of the capital.

Initially, the head of the Ministry’s International Search and Rescue Team, deputy head of the Main Operational Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations colonel Alasgar Aliyev briefed the team on the objectives and tasks of the tactical-specialized exercise conducted during both day and night hours. Experts from the Türkiye – Berkant Tahsin Ataay, the leader of the INSARAG and National Search and Rescue Standards Working Group of AFAD and members of the working group Haluk Onay Erten, Ramazan Yerli and Murat Balji – provided recommendations to the team on management, coordination, search and rescue, logistics and medical staffs to achieve effective results in accordance with international search and rescue guidelines.

During the tactical-specialized exercise procedures for rescuing victims from rubble caused by natural and man-made disasters, providing initial medical assistance, evacuation and conducting assessment measures in the area were applied. Special attention was given to ensure continuous search and rescue operations during nighttime, adherence to technical safety rules, and instilling practical habits for protecting life and health.

Certificates were awarded to Emergency volunteers who successfully participated in various roles such as victims, media, and representatives of local government agencies in the "disaster area”.

The objectives set for the tactical-special exercise were successfully achieved.