Armenian Urban Search and Rescue Team Evaluated on 160 Criteria

The Armenian Urban Search and Rescue Team is preparing for the international reassessment planned by INSARAG in 2028. To check the team's preparedness, a 36-hour exercise was conducted in Gyumri from August 10 to 13, with the participation of mentors from Switzerland. This information was provided by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Armenia.

Welcoming the participants of the exercise, the acting Deputy Minister and Director of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Aram Ghazaryan, noted that this is a great opportunity for the Armenian team to improve knowledge and skills, absorb international experience, and clarify future tasks. According to him, the mentors' observations and recommendations will help the team present itself more prepared for the upcoming reassessment.

"We support the Armenian team in the reassessment process. Through this exercise, we aim to understand the team's level of readiness, see strengths, and outline the work to be done in the coming two years. Nine specialists from Switzerland are participating in areas of management, search and rescue, medical, and logistics," said David Sochor, head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid's Rapid Response Unit and mentor team leader.

All phases of the international rescue mission were simulated, from alerting to search and rescue operations. The disaster was conditional, but the tasks, requirements, and evaluation criteria were real.

The search and rescue team established reception and deployment centers, a headquarters, and a temporary base. Rescue workers conducted reconnaissance and search and rescue operations in various areas. The operations also included accepting and registering international teams and coordinating their activities.

The mentors observed how the rescuers made decisions, organized search and rescue efforts, provided medical assistance, and used the necessary equipment while collaborating with international teams.

"The exercise is conducted using a special checklist consisting of 160 points. We assess the practical and management capabilities of the Armenian Urban Search and Rescue Team, international cooperation readiness, as well as the ability to organize and manage a 36-hour exercise," emphasized David Sochor.

At the end of the exercise, Aram Ghazaryan, the team members, and mentors summarized the results. The team’s strengths were discussed, existing issues were identified, and directions needed to ensure full compliance with international standards were outlined.

This exercise provided an opportunity to assess the preparedness of the Armenian Urban Search and Rescue Team under realistic conditions, and the recorded results will serve as a basis for further improving capabilities and adequately presenting for international reassessment.