Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Firefighters Charitable Trust and organised by FIRE AID, a team from SARAID and Avon Fire & Rescue Service delivered a 1-week training course in Chisinau, Moldova, at the invitation of the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service (CPESS). 

Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Firefighters Charitable Trust and organised by FIRE AID, a team from SARAID and Avon Fire & Rescue Service delivered a 1-week training course in Chisinau at the invitation of the Civil Protection and Emergency Situations Service (CPESS) of Moldova. 

Twenty firefighters and rescuers from across Moldova were introduced to Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) techniques, including shoring and propping for the first time. Mark Scorer and Ruth Haynes – engineers volunteering for SARAID – focused on structural engineering awareness and timber propping and shoring techniques. UK firefighters and Heavy Rescue Instructors Billy Bamford and Jason Erskine of Avon Fire & Rescue Service led the stabilisation and lifting training using the Moldovan’s Holmatro rescue equipment. 

“It was great to be able to share our engineering USAR knowledge and experience with such an enthusiastic group. We covered a lot of different techniques during the week and really felt like the training was appreciated,” said SARAID volunteer Mark Scorer. 

Moldova’s geographic location and the impact of climate change in recent years means that Moldova is at high risk of earthquake and flooding. The engineering awareness sessions saw Mark and Ruth share their knowledge of building construction and failure, damage assessments, and propping and shoring in the event of building collapse. The theoretical sessions were coupled with hands on practical sessions and Heavy Rescue instruction led by Jason and Billy for the Moldovans to put into practice the skills learnt during the week. 

Julie Utting of FIRE AID said “We’re really pleased to have delivered this training with much valued support from the Company of Firefighters – uniting the expertise of our FIRE AID membership to assist our colleagues in Moldova who are now better prepared to respond to earthquakes and other incidents. We look forward to our continued cooperation in this area”. 

To read more about ‘How Can Engineering Help in a Humanitarian Crisis?‘ please use the following link: The Telegraph 

 Sponsored by the Worshipful Company of Firefighters Charitable Trust