USAR teams conduct specialized emergency response training in Romania and the UK

Specialist Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams in Romania and the United Kingdom have conducted large-scale training exercises to enhance emergency response capabilities.

In Romania, the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) organized the RO-USAR-01 exercise from September 14 to 17. Approximately 80 rescuers participated in drills located in Ilfov (Ciolpani and Otopeni) and Prahova (Drăgănești). The scenario simulated an earthquake occurring outside of Romania, focusing on international mission readiness, including team deployment, border crossing, and base organization. The exercise aims to prepare the team for the INSARAG ‘Heavy’ classification.

In the United Kingdom, the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service hosted a 24-hour realistic training exercise at its USAR training centre in Westcott. Teams from various regions, including London, South Wales, and West Yorkshire, practiced searches in confined tunnels and complex rubble environments. The exercise was designed to improve inter-service collaboration and operational readiness for major emergencies such as building collapses or significant transport incidents.