In October 2018, FIRE AID members Operation Florian and EASST delivered basic water rescue training to fire fighters from General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (GIES) and the Fire Safety Unit of Tiraspol in Chisinau. Following the success of this training, in January 2019 9 delegates were selected to complete their Level 3 Water Rescue training in the UK, supported by the UK government’s Conflict Stability and Security Fund (CSSF). These delegates completed training at one of the UK’s best training centres, Outreach Rescue in South Wales, who have been delivering this training for over 25 years.

Despite the snow, fire fighters from GIES and the Fire Safety Unit of Tiraspol worked together over the week long course to develop skills and techniques in throw lines and throw bagging, defensive swimming, ferry gliding, wading and knots alongside some true rescue scenarios. As the week progressed the delegates moved to faster and more challenging water learning how to manage water rescue teams and incidents and provide adequate response in tough conditions.

Operation Florian member and UK water rescue expert Robert Clarke of Surrey Fire and Rescue Service supported the team throughout their time in the UK. Robert Clarke said: “The delegates performed extremely well, despite the bitterly cold conditions, and continued to impress both myself and the Outreach instructors”

To support this training Operation Florian and EASST have delivered 21 sets of water rescue personal protective equipment and plan to deliver 2 rescue boats in March 2019.