Our volunteers trained in Ukraine
The exercise took place at a newly established rescue training site in Rivne, where volunteers worked through three realistic collapsed-building rescue scenarios. These included:
- Fire scenario: Extinguishing a car fire inside a garage and rescuing a person trapped beneath collapsed building structures.
- Missile strike scenario: Clearing debris from a residential building destroyed by bombing, locating and evacuating victims.
- Chemical hazard scenario: Responding to the collapse of an industrial facility where a chlorine tank was damaged, rescuing victims from a rooftop and from under rubble.
Before the practical drills began, participants received an overview of urban search and rescue principles and the specialized equipment used for locating victims beneath debris - such as sensors that can detect even the slightest movement or vibration.
The Ukrainian organizers created an exceptionally realistic environment for the training. During the missile strike simulation, rescuers had to navigate unstable rubble while remaining aware of every loose stone and wire underfoot. The fire exercise featured a live car fire, and the chemical scenario took place in a confined area where participants worked in full chemical protection suits.
“The Ukrainians have managed to create incredibly realistic conditions - with real fires, collapsed structures, and lifelike danger scenarios that give our volunteers a truly exceptional experience under expert guidance,” said Risto Roomet, Head of the Estonian Rescue Association’s Technical Rescue Unit.
To reflect the realities of war, the training also simulated a double-strike scenario - a known Russian tactic where rescuers are targeted after the initial bombing. In the middle of rescue operations, an air raid siren sounded, forcing participants to abandon their tasks and take cover. Simulated explosions followed, after which rescuers resumed work to “save” new casualties created by the second strike.
“What made the exercise even more authentic was that participants, in addition to standard firefighting gear, wore ballistic vests and helmets—now mandatory for rescuers operating in wartime. The experience gained in Ukraine is invaluable for our volunteers,” Roomet added.
A total of 13 Estonian volunteer rescuers took part in the training, representing:
- Pajusi Volunteer Rescue Society
- Palivere Volunteer Rescue Team
- Kaberneeme Volunteer Land and Sea Rescue Team
- Pihtla Volunteer Rescue Team
- Volunteer Reserve Rescue Unit
- Noarootsi Volunteer Rescue Team
- Türi Volunteer Firefighting Association
Photo gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCzWV6
Author: Hendrik Tali / Estonian Rescue Association
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