In October 2018, supported by the UK government’s Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF), FIRE AID members Operation Florian and EASST delivered a further two appliances to the Republic of Moldova.

After four days driving and over 1,000 miles covered our team of volunteer drivers from fire services across the UK arrived in Moldova where one appliance was delivered to Chisinau and the other to Bender. A week’s intensive training followed the equipment delivery where fire fighters from both locations were trained on how to use and maintain the equipment.

Alongside this familiarisation training Operation Florian ran its first water safety training overseas, the team of water instructors was led by Trevor Funnell from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service who has been involved in training delivery in Moldova for the last six years. Amongst the team were also three new volunteers from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Volunteer Tommy Richardson said of the project:  “It was fantastic to be given the opportunity to be part of the experience and travel to Moldova to provide Swift Water Rescue Training to fellow fire fighters overseas. It was a pleasure working alongside people who were so eager to learn and watch them go through the process of not having even seen such Water Rescue equipment on Day 1 to Day 5 where their enthusiasm of undertaking a Water Rescue became second nature.”

The water rescue instructors provided joint training with fire fighters from both GIES and the Fire Safety Unit of Tiraspol working together to ensure the highest level of training was achieved.  Trevor Funnell said of the delegates: “As always the professionalism of both the Chisinau and Tiraspol fire fighters and rescuers shone through with all participants sharing in the common interest of helping others in difficulty to save lives.”

The delegates were provided water rescue equipment and shown a number of rescue techniques that will be of use in rescues from mud, ice and water. Delegates were able to share learning by explaining some of the techniques they currently use by way of comparison. From this course delegates will be selected to complete the next level of water rescue training in the UK, which will take place in January 2019. Watch this space for further news on the project!