A 5 days Training of Trainers for 21 VFRG volunteers coming from 5 communities (Areni, Kapan, Meghradzor, Vayk, Tegh) was held from February 24 to 28, 2025 in Lusakert MIA CMSA training centre.

The ToT's aim was to form a core of highly motivated, well-trained volunteers within the 5 VFRGs, who would be able to train other volunteers in the communities. This should improve their operational autonomy from the local RS fire station and ensure the long-term viability of the VFRGs.

The AutRC Fire Rescue expert led the training, assisted by 2 French professional firefighters and 3 Rescue Service instructors.  The latter were selected among the same communities and themsleves took part in the ToT for Rescue Service Officers held in April 2024.

Practical exercises formed the core of the training with 3 different workshops and 3 crews of 7 volunteers, using same equipment as they have in VFR station and corresponding to VFRG standards.   

WS 1: Structure Fire (SF) / Forest Fire and Wildfires (FWF)/Operational Management & Command (OMC) - equipment: fire truck, fire extinguishing material, PPE, radios, hand light

WS 2: Operational Techniques (OT) - equipment: rescue set, ladder

WS 3: First Aid (FA) - equipment: stretcher, first aid kit, cervical collar

Theoritical sessions were included as well:

- Introduction to VFRG Standard Training Curriculum by the CMSA officers (Structure Fire, Forest Fires & Wildfires, Operational Management & Command, Miscellaneous Operations, Technological and Natural Risks, Operational Techniques, First Aid, Psychological First Aid).

- Psycho Social First Aid session, by RS Psycho Social Department officers.

- Pedagogical approach for organising training sessions for volunteers, by CSMA officers.

- VFRG SOPs for deployment (03 Departure, 04 Transit, 06 Restoring Operational Readiness), by AutRC Fire Rescue expert

On the final day, three simulation exercises took place, followed by a debriefing with all participants. And finally, all volunteers received an official certificate from the Crisis Management State Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

This training not only enabled the volunteers to develop their skills. They had the opportunity to meet volunteers from other communities and share their experiences. It should create emulation between communities. VFRG volunteers also have the possibility to stay in close contact with each other through the VFRG WhatsApp group and the VolFiRe FB page created for them.

Below a link to a movie about ToT VFRG 2 broadcasted by the MIA Rescue Service:

https://rescue.mia.gov.am/articles/%D5%B6%D5%B8%D6%80%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%A9%D5%B5%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B6%D5%B6%D5%A5%D6%80/kamavorner04