OSCE Mission in Kosovo donates first aid bags, trains rescue service

PRISHTINE/PRISTINA, 9 February 2009 - The OSCE Mission in Kosovo launched an initiative to help equip and train staff of the Kosovo Fire and Rescue Service with a donation of first aid bags at the Vushtrri/Vucitrn Fire and Rescue Station today.

In addition to donating first aid bags to the Fire and Rescue Service's 33 centres, the OSCE developed a five-day specialized first aid training for emergency personnel. Members of the fire and rescue services in Kosovo are the first to respond to emergencies, but due to a lack of equipment and training, they are not able to provide first aid to injured victims at the scene.

"With the donation of standardized medical rescue kits and training, the Mission is helping to ensure that all fire and rescue stations have the same professional equipment and training for their own safety and the safety of those they serve," said the Head of the OSCE Mission, Ambassador Werner Almhofer.

An international expert on first aid and emergency response trained local instructors in January, who in turn trained 75 fire and rescue service members. Another 100 members will be trained by the end of 2009.

Based on its mandate, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo supports the development of security and public safety institutions, with the aim of bringing their performance in line with international best practices.