Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response team volunteers practised search and rescue skills in the mountains

For the fourth time, the Ukrainian Red Cross held its large-scale “Carpathian Manoeuvres” training exercise for emergency response teams in the Ivano-Frankivsk region.

Over four days, 75 volunteers from eight Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response teams, together with three mountain search-and-rescue units of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine from the western region, practised the skills needed to operate in mountainous and forested areas.

Participants worked through various search-and-rescue scenarios, including searching for people in forests and mountains, practising rock rescue, working with rope systems and self-belaying, and transporting casualties across challenging terrain.

They also practised navigation and the use of GPS devices, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and specialised equipment, as well as providing first aid and psychological first aid. Particular attention was given to communication, coordination and cooperation between teams during joint operations.

Such training helps volunteers not only strengthen their skills but also exchange experience and prepare to work effectively with different services and coordinate their actions in challenging conditions, where every decision matters.