Raising Mine Risk Awareness Among State Emergency Service First Responders

The Ukrainian Red Cross and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine work side by side every day to protect lives. As part of this cooperation, we provide first aid training for emergency workers through a 48-hour programme, and we run information sessions on mine risk awareness.

Recently, in the city of Zviahel (Zhytomyr region), a mine risk specialist delivered targeted information sessions for first responders.

During the sessions, emergency responders learned about:

Key risks they may encounter in the line of duty:

• unintentionally entering mined areas during demining or firefighting operations;
• the threat posed by booby traps and explosive devices hidden in buildings, vehicles, or debris;
• the risk of detonation during evacuation and rescue efforts.

Basic safety guidelines:

• follow official procedures and act only as part of authorised teams;
• use protective equipment and specialised tools;
• assess the area before beginning any operation;
• report any suspicious objects to explosive ordnance disposal teams — do not touch them.

The work of emergency responders involves constant danger: extinguishing fires, managing the aftermath of shelling and accidents, and facing the hidden threat of mines and unexploded ordnance. These sessions play a vital role in reducing those risks, protecting those who protect others, and making communities safer.

We stand by those in need!