Heads of Emergency Agencies of BRICS Observe Russian EMERCOM Rescue Operations on Land and Water

Russian specialists demonstrated land and water rescue operations as the heads of BRICS emergency agencies met for the second day in Kazan on 11 July.

“International emergency services emphasize the importance of practical interaction. That is why we need to engage more often and at a higher level. Major exercises were held this year at the Noginsk Rescue Centre training ground and included the participation of foreign colleagues and modern Russian-made equipment and technologies. We are prepared to continue sharing our experience and holding joint training sessions,” Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Alexander Kurenkov said.

Kazan welcomed foreign delegations to an exhibition of fire and rescue equipment at the Russian Ministry Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters and a demonstration of combat deployment maneuvers and road accident response. 20 modern fire and rescue equipment units came together out front of Kazan Central Stadium and ranged from mobile control centre, life support, and communications vehicles to motorbikes, tanker and ladder trucks, snowmobiles, and drones, all equipment of the Central Directorate of the Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of Russia in the Republic of Tatarstan used by firefighters and rescuers round the clock and in any conditions. The honoured guests rated highly the prowess of Tatarstan’s emergency personnel and were clearly impressed with the skillful interaction of the emergency services responding to a road accident.

At the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels, the foreign delegation inspected equipment designed for patrolling and carrying out supervisory and preventive measures and held a demonstration on the river.

In the scenario played out, two vessels collided on the water, leaving three people overboard, one sustaining injury and at risk of drowning. At the same time, one vessel caught fire, with a person still on board. The people were rescued by Russian EMERCOM. The skilled pilot lowered the helicopter to three metres above water, with resuscitation beginning immediately on the rescue boat. All were rescued, the fire was extinguished, and a boom fence to contain an oil spill was installed by a team of 50 specialists, including paratroopers and divers, and 15 rescue service equipment units.

The heads of the foreign delegations expressed their willingness to further develop relations and focus on practical co-operation.

The Roscongress Foundation manages the events of Russia’s BRICS Chairship.