Balkans | The search and rescue team in Bosnia and Herzegovina applied what they learned in the TIKA training in the earthquake zone

The exercises given by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) made a great contribution to the activities of the teams who went to Turkey from Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in the earthquake search and rescue efforts on February 6.

About 30 people who participated in comprehensive exercises organized by TIKA in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2017 had the opportunity to apply what they learned in the exercises in search and rescue activities in the earthquake zone.

Three people from BiH teams who participated in the training provided by the Presidency of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) and experts from the Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms (IHH) told AA reporter about the training they received through TIKA and the contribution to the earthquake zone.

Pamela Bejdic, who works for the search and rescue unit of the Municipality of Novi Grad in the capital, Sarajevo, stated that she completed the rigorous Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training last year and said: “The training I received was very useful in the field. Thanks to these trainings, we were able to get out 10 people from the wreckage are alive.” He said.

Bedic said that one of the biggest reasons he joined the teams that went to Turkey was the training he received and that he applied the many knowledge he learned in theory in practice.

“Exercises are a great addition to my career”

Semra Jabalak, who is in the same team, emphasized that the exercises made a great contribution to the work in the earthquake zone and said, “The trainings we received also helped us in terms of how to deal with people who are waiting for their loved ones and those that need to be removed from under the rubble. We knew how to listen to them and how Calm them down.” Use the phrase.

Noting that he witnessed the highly coordinated work of IHH in the region, Jabalak said: “It is important that every company is organized, but the earthquake zone we were in was a place open to unexpected situations. It was a place full of tension and complex emotions. At this point, the capabilities amazed me.” leadership for officials. He said.

“I will never forget the tears and smiles on their faces when I said we came from Bosnia and Herzegovina”

Benjamin Butorac, another member of the team, explained that TİKA participated in search and rescue exercises in wreckage and hard-to-reach areas, and said, “The training I received thanks to TİKA was a great addition to my career.” He said.

Stressing that the training he received made a great contribution to the earthquake zone, Butorac said it was a special honor for them to work alongside the experts who had received the training.

Potorac said that they rescued 10 people from the wreck with his team, “We managed to pull a family of 6 out of the wreckage. I will never forget the tears and smiles on their faces when I said we came from Bosnia and Herzegovina.” He said.

200 people attended TIKA’s training

3 people in a team of 234 people from Bosnia and Herzegovina, who participated in search and rescue efforts in Turkey, participated in search and rescue exercises given by AFAD and IHH experts in cooperation with TIKA.

While 200 people attend these trainings provided by TIKA, more than 30 of them continue their careers as “experts” under the conditions approved by the European Union Search and Rescue Mechanism and the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Those who participate in the training will also participate in the international search and rescue exercise held every year in Turkey.

AA