Sri Vijaya Puram, June 6: In a significant step towards strengthening disaster preparedness, a five-day intensive training programme on Collapse Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) and Medical First Responder (MFR) was successfully conducted from 2nd to 6th June 2025 at the Conference Hall of A&N Fire and Emergency Services Training Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram. The training was organized for the personnel of the Fire and Emergency Services Department, who are the first responders during any disaster or emergency in the Islands.
The specialized training sessions were delivered by an expert team from the Regional Response Centre, Fourth Battalion, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Port Mout and aimed to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of Fire Service personnel in dealing with structural collapses and providing essential medical aid in the immediate aftermath of disasters.
More than 80 personnel from Fire and Emergency Services actively participated in the programme through offline and virtual modes, ensuring maximum outreach and engagement. The training focused on essential life-saving techniques, latest search and rescue methods, including locating and extricating victims from collapsed structures, administering primary medical assistance during critical situations and coordination during large-scale emergencies.
During the valedictory ceremony held on 6th June 2025, Shri Sunny Gupta, IPS, the SP(F&ES/Nodal Officer, Disaster Management), graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, the significance of such capacity-building initiatives in enhancing the efficiency of first responders was emphasised and lauded the NDRF for their commitment to disaster preparedness.
Participants also shared their feedback, expressing that the training had greatly strengthened their operational knowledge and hands-on skills, which will prove invaluable in real-time disaster scenarios.
The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony for the visiting NDRF team in recognition of their dedicated efforts, followed by a vote of thanks extended to the Chief Guest and all participants for their enthusiastic involvement in making the training programme a success.
This collaborative effort between the NDRF and the Fire and Emergency Services Department of the A&N Islands reflects the unwavering commitment of the Police Department towards building a resilient and disaster-ready community in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.