Strengthening search and rescue skills to save lives in Georgia
Seventy meters above the ground and held secure only by his safety harness, David Chemia climbed down to rescue a worker trapped within a perilous construction site. Moments later, the two of them were safely on the ground.
Luckily, this was only a demonstration. But exercises such as this one - part of an OSCE training course for rescue operators from the Emergency Department of the Georgian Interior Ministry - are crucial for learning how to better handle real emergencies.
In September this year, some 20 rescue workers taking part in the OSCE Mission to Georgia's Search and Rescue Training (SART) project demonstrated a range of new skills that will help them save lives from dangerous accidents or natural disasters. Covering both urban and industrial settings, the course - phase one of a larger programme - includes search and rescue exercises on cranes, industrial buildings and apartment blocks, as well as in silos, wells and sewage pipes.
SART Project Manager Peter Kitzberger says that the rescue training course is based on responding to emergencies, including the most common accidents that occur in modern cities.
"We highlight the importance of fast, competent, co-ordinated and specialized crisis response. With a professional approach, rescuers can save many lives in a crisis, preventing a serious event from turning into a tragedy," he says.
Better co-ordination, greater safety
Through the SART project, the rescue workers are learning best practices from Polish, Croatian, Austrian and Georgian trainers.
"They are keen to improve their knowledge and skills," says Kitzberger. "They're well organized and prepared. Most of them had already had some rope-work experience and were looking forward to sharpening their skills."
The OSCE course stresses the importance of co-ordination in rescue efforts, and officers from the Ministry's Central Rescue Unit and the regional fire brigades have been developing joint operations principles.
"Our job is about the safety, confidence and security of the country's population," says Ilia Khurtsidze, Head of the Central Rescue Unit. "We welcome support from organizations trying to improve human security.
'"We are very pleased with the progress so far and hope for future co-operation with the OSCE to further develop our rescue service and co-ordinated responses," he adds.
Beyond the usual rescue skills
Trainees are better prepared than many mountain rescuers after completing the course, which is recognized by international alpine associations. They have highly specialized skills for rescue operations in civil and mountain environments, with and without helicopter support.
The course and the equipment, which will be donated to the Emergency Department, were made possible thanks to funding from the Austrian Government.
For the project's second phase, which started in November, the department's rescue staff was joined by members of the Georgian Border Police's Rapid Reaction Unit, who have already taken part in OSCE search and rescue training courses.
Throughout the second course, more complex rescue scenarios, such as accidents in a canyon or on an industrial tower struck by lightning, will challenge participants to co-ordinate their ability and manpower, and demonstrate the skills they have learned.
A joint effort
The success of the Mission's previous search and rescue programmes was largely thanks to the co-operation of the Emergency Department and the Georgian Border Police with the OSCE Mission. Kitzberger says the current project follows the same spirit of collaboration.
"Through this programme, the OSCE and the Austrian Government are helping the Georgian Ministry to develop a highly effective rescue service, involving all relevant departments," he says.
"And as a result, citizens and visitors throughout Georgia can enjoy greater safety, knowing that if they get into trouble, they can expect a faster professional response."