The Rapid Response Division of the Erzurum Police Department, working in coordination with AFAD, continues to train volunteer officers.
In Erzurum, volunteers from the Police Search and Rescue (PAK) team are undergoing challenging training to prepare for potential disaster conditions or emergencies. These volunteers, who belong to the Rapid Response Division of the Erzurum Police Department, are being trained by expert instructors in temperatures reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius. They will collaborate with AFAD teams.
Disaster Preparedness
Conducted at the AFAD field site located 1900 meters above sea level, the training involves 30 volunteers, including a female officer. The volunteers are practicing skills such as safely approaching debris, search and rescue techniques, auditory and visual search methods, and handling and using equipment. These training sessions are crucial for the team’s effective response to potential disasters.
Intensive Training in Scorching Heat
Officers from the Rapid Response Division, who serve in Erzurum city center, are participating in the PAK team training in addition to their daily duties. Despite the soaring temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius, the volunteers diligently follow their instructors’ directives, demonstrating great dedication. They lift heavy equipment, cut and break concrete in debris areas, working like tunnel workers.
Expansion of the Volunteer Team
Volkan Sab, who coordinates the PAK unit at the Erzurum Police Department’s Rapid Response Division, stated that the PAK unit was established to take charge of debris safety and search and rescue operations during disasters in the country. Sab emphasized the growth of the PAK unit, saying:
“I have been serving in PAK for three years. In today’s training, we trained 120 personnel from the Rapid Response Division on how to act in debris areas and more effectively conduct urban searches. We also started with equipment introductions and demonstrated to our colleagues how to behave in debris areas. We supported our training with drills. PAK will take charge in any disaster that may occur in our country. Following these training sessions, we continue with our duties at the Rapid Response Division. All 120 personnel selected for the PAK unit are volunteers, and we plan to increase this number further.”