INSARAG SIMEX25 in Switzerland: MRC Ukraine team improves international cooperation
Representatives of the Mobile Rapid Response Rescue Centre of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (MRC Ukraine) took part in the INSARAG SIMEX25 international field exercises held in Kriens, Switzerland.
The purpose of the training was to establish cooperation within the international civil protection system, exchange experience in the field of emergency response, and prepare for the external recertification of the MRC Ukraine heavy search and rescue team by INSARAG, scheduled for September 2025.
The Ukrainian team participating in the exercises included: 1 — international trainer, EXCON and 6 representatives of MRC Ukraine management.
During the training, the team:
worked out algorithms for action in large-scale disasters;
improved operational planning processes;
trained in medical interaction between USAR teams;
practised coordination as part of the USAR Coordination Cell (UCC);
studied the experience of international colleagues.
As part of the event, the Ukrainian delegation was visited by Iryna Venediktova, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein. She was accompanied by Colonel Andriy Bilevych, Defence Attaché at the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria, as well as representatives of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), including the Federal Council Delegate for Humanitarian Aid and the Head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Corps.
The Ambassador initiated a meeting with the Ukrainian team, during which the prospects for further training and the development of partnership in the field of international rescue operations were discussed.
Participation in SIMEX25 was another step towards enhancing the MRC Ukraine's capacity to act as part of an international humanitarian response in accordance with INSARAG standards.
