On both sides of the border, in Poland and Ukraine, firefighters and emergency services face the effects of climate change, the aftermath of natural disasters and other threats to human life, health and the environment daily.
The siren sounds suddenly…
At times like these, there is no room for doubt. What counts is speed and being fully prepared to spring into action. Cooperation between the emergency services and modern equipment is also crucial. The answer to these challenges is the SAFETY project – ‘Together for safety in the cross-border area’ – implemented by partners from the Mazovia Voivodeship and the Lviv and Zakarpattia Oblasts.
As part of the project, Modular Safety Centres are being set up in Ukraine, in the towns of Brody and Kolochava, and nine emergency services units on both sides of the border are being provided with specialist equipment. Firefighters are being provided with new fire and rescue vehicles, generators, hydraulic tool kits, pumps and training equipment.
A new light reconnaissance and rescue vehicle has been purchased in Garwolin. It is designed to operate in a variety of conditions, including during natural disasters, flooding and fire and rescue operations. The vehicle is equipped with, i.a.: communications and lighting equipment, a slurry motor pump, chainsaws, water and ice rescue equipment, specialised clothing for firefighters and radio transmitters. The Volunteer Firefighting Service (OSP) unit has also received a generator mounted on a twin-axle trailer. In the municipality of Siedlce, five Volunteer Firefighting Service (OSP) units were fitted out with firefighting equipment, including two-way radios, training manikins, hydraulic tool kits, generators, thermal imaging cameras, specialised clothing and footwear, and a submersible pump. A new fire and rescue vehicle was handed over in Kownaciska.
These are the vehicles and equipment that genuinely reduce response times and improve the effectiveness of operations.
Another key element of the project is the exchange of experiences and the development of cooperation between the services. Firefighters take part in joint training sessions, learn about procedures and share their experiences. First-aid workshops are organised for residents. The project also includes workshops, study visits, educational picnics and meetings with children.
Over 2.1 million euros has been allocated to carry out all these measures. This is a huge sum, which will help to strengthen the services’ preparedness and improve the coordination of their activities.
More information about the SAFETY project under the link.
