Last week, the representatives of “Poruch” Evelina Asanova, Valeriia Kovtun and Karina Kostetska took part in a first responders course (as a part of the international initiative V4) on the principles of disaster readiness and response to various emergencies, including those involving chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) hazards. The training took place on the 10th of October in Warsaw organised by the ICCSS and financially supported by the Visegrad Fund.

This topic is incredibly relevant and important for Ukraine as well, since the involvement of non-governmental organizations in civil protection increases the effectiveness of response during emergency situations caused by Russian aggression. During the lectures and workshops held at the University of Vistula, the ICCSS representatives shared their rich experience in building the capacity of CBRN defense and implementing policies that would emphasize the importance of effective crisis management.

The acquired knowledge was consolidated during a visit to the Volunteer Fire Service Brigade in Złotokłos (OSP Złotokłos), which serves as a pioneering model for practical implementation of societal resilience. On that day, October 11, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed by the ICCSS, the Volunteer Fire Service Brigade in Złotokłos, partners from Moldova and Slovakia, as well as NGO “Poruch”, as our organization shares the ideas of civil defense development and the need to train leaders and trainers who would spread the European principles of disaster preparedness.

We are sincerely grateful to the ICCSS representatives, Krzysztof Paturej, Galya Terzieva, volunteers of the fire brigade in Złotokłos and all the other participants for their work, hospitality and involving us in such an important initiative.

Comments of “Poruch” representatives who took part in the event:

Karina Kostetska: “We acquired a lot of useful information, which is more relevant than ever for our realities. We understand that, even with extensive experience in responding to emergency situations, we still have room to grow and things to learn. One of the ways to improve the situation is to create volunteer groups following the example of Złotokłos. We saw there how people of different professions and of different ages unite for the sake of their community. Such activity not only contributes to the safety of people and the environment, but also creates an atmosphere of friendly unity in society, which is definitely beneficial. We believe that we will be able to implement similar practices in our country as well”.

Valeriia Kovtun: “One of the things that pleasantly impressed me is how warm and homelike the atmosphere is among the volunteers of the fire brigade in Złotokłos, they are like a family. And also the fact that people of any age volunteer there, including children, who also enthusiastically train to provide first aid and extinguish fires. The enthusiasm of these people and their kindness can not help but encourage the implementation of similar initiatives in Ukraine. We even had the opportunity to put out a fire ourselves and get up with the help of a fire engine crane. It was unforgettable! Therefore, I am very grateful to the organizers of “Poruch” and the ICCSS for such an incredible experience.”

Evelina Asanova: “I am very thankful to “Poruch” and the partners for the opportunity to participate in such an event. Understanding the importance of the topic, I am grateful to be a part of it. While visiting the volunteer fire station, I was struck by how 12-year-old children know how to use fire-fighting equipment, and also the level of awareness of citizens who volunteer there. And I would really like to introduce such a system in our country because this is a security issue that is very important for us now.”