Activities – ACTIE

Final conference of the project in Cahul

The Cross-Border Cooperation and European Integration Agency organized on November 3, 2021 the final conference of the project Integrated cross-border approach for an improved capacity to prevent, manage and respond to emergency situations, funded by the Joint Operational Program Romania – Republic of Moldova 2014 -2020. The project was implemented in partnership with the National Society of Red Cross Romania – Galati Branch, and the Cahul Department of Exceptional Situations. The final conference was attended by 37 participants including mayors and employees of the target localities of the project: Borceag, Cucoara, Brînza, Văleni and Zîrnești, representatives from institutions related to emergencies and disaster management, representatives of the media and other stakeholders who have contributed to the implementation of the project. The results of the project were presented during the event and the next steps to be taken after the project end were proposed. Thus, the partners and stakeholders expressed a great deal of interest in continuing the activities within new projects and other initiatives. The needs at local level were assessed and proposals were made by the participants to the conference on how to ensure project sustainability and multiply its results.

Emergency simulation exercise

The National Society of Red Cross Romania – Galați Branch organized within the project Integrated cross-border approach for an improved capacity to prevent, manage and respond to emergency situations an Emergency simulation exercise in Pechea commune on October 22, 2021 There were 57 participants to the event, representatives from the Lead beneficiary, the local administration, members of SVSU Pechea but also general public from Pechea commune. The exercise aimed to test the knowledge obtained by the target group within the project and consisted of several activities: (1) Presentation of the concept of the emergency simulation exercise and SVSU intervention; (2) The intervention for the liquidation of the fire at the Gymnasium school no. 1 and (3) Evaluating the exercise and the lessons learned from it.

“Training in providing first aid” course

Within the project, 5 courses were organized on the topic “Training in providing first aid”, in 5 villages in Cahul district. The course was held by the representatives of the Red Cross from Galați and an expert from Galați.

Triggering a disaster can bring with it victims who need urgent medical care. Due to the fact that the intervention of specialized services takes place due to distance or other factors, and first aid must be provided immediately, it is necessary that in each locality there are key people trained in this regard.

The course presented and described the main cases in which a person needs to be given first aid, including suffocation – airway blockage with a foreign body, hemorrhage – heavy bleeding, wounds, burns, bone and joint injuries. , stroke, heart attack – chest pain, poisoning, epilepsy, snake bites and tick bites. Participants performed resuscitation measures on the manikin (chest compressions, mouth-to-mouth breathing and assessment of the victim’s condition). First aid is different for each type of fracture and trauma, and in order to maintain high skills and abilities, it is necessary to practice constantly and learn new methods through refresher courses.

The trainers also stressed that providing first aid requires preparation and care, and if not provided in time, can lead to loss of life. During the training, participants received training materials and individual first aid kits.

On 10-11.08.2021, the course was organized in Văleni.

On 13-14.08.2021, the course was organized in Cucoara.

On 17-18.08.2021, the course was organized in Zîrnești.

On 19-20.08.2021, the course was organized in Borceag.

On 24-25.08.2021, the course was organized in Brînza.

“Disaster prevention and preparedness” Course

Within the project, 5 courses were organized on the topic “Disaster prevention and preparedness”, in 5 villages from Cahul district. The course was held by the representatives of the Red Cross from Galați and an expert from Galați.

The course focused on the main types of disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, fires, landslides, storms and heavy snowfalls, as well as disasters caused by human activity. Participants learned about the measures to be taken to eliminate the negative consequences of disasters and save people and animals, acquainted with experiences and examples of cases when people mobilized to help each other and eliminate damage in their localities. . They learned how important it is for a group of volunteers to intervene in a locality to help victims, and for local authorities to have a plan for managing emergencies and evacuating residents.
Another component of the course was about the care with which disaster victims should be treated. The simple deeds of humanity on the part of fellow human beings in the same community, who were not affected by the disaster, bring relief, security and dignity to those in need. Until the intervention of the relevant institutions (SMURD, ambulance, etc.), in the first moments of tragedy, these gestures of solidarity by providing accommodation, distribution of hot food, water, dry and clean clothing, bring little relief and strengthen the community. At the end, each participant was handed a certificate of participation.

Also, DSE Cahul, partner in the project, handed over to each village hall 2 electric generators of 3 Kw and 8,5 Kw, purchased from the project budget, and the Red Cross Galati, a survival kit with basic tools for emergency situations.

On 09.08.2021, the course was organized in Văleni.

On 12.08.2021, the course was organized in Cucoara.

On 16.08.2021, the course was organized in Zîrnești.

On 19.08.2021, the course was organized in Borceag.

On 23.08.2021, the course was organized in Brînza.

Procurement of equipment for DSE Cahul and target localities

The Cahul Department of Exceptional Situations has purchased some of the equipment that will be used to prevent and reduce the consequences of emergencies.

Among the equipment there are: 2 motor pumps, 12 generators of different capacities, of which 2 for DSE Cahul, and 10 for Zîrnești, Cucoara, Brînza, Văleni, Borceag, 250 first aid kits that will be used during the simulation exercises of disasters, but also in emergency situations and 20 protective suits and other equipment that will be used for interventions.

Official launch of the project IMPACT

On 22.09.2020, in Cahul, the official launch of the project took place, which was attended by 30 people. The guests of the event were the project partners, the National Society of Red Cross Romania – Galati Branch, representatives from DSE Cahul, members from ACTIE, representatives of the village halls from Cucoara, Brînza, Borceag, Zîrnești and Văleni, accompanied by teachers, educators, people of culture in these localities. During the event, there were presented the description, objectives, activities and results of the project. The mayors of the target localities described the calamities they have faced in recent years and the damage they have caused. They confirmed the need to take action in advance for unforeseen situations and to be prepared for their occurrence. Each mayor showed his openness to collaboration and involvement in all project activities.

Study visit for best practices exchange in Cahul

On 29.01.2021, ACTIE hosted a study visit for best practices exchange carried out by mayors from 5 localities in Galati County. The guests visited the Cahul Department of Exceptional Situations, where there were presented the equipment purchased within the project and how the firemen are preparing to intervene in emergency situations.

Another 2 visits were made to the Intercommunity Volunteer Fire Service in Colibași and in the village of Brînza.

Similarly, on February 2-3, the mayors of the villages of Zîrnești, Cucoara, Brînza, Văleni and Borceag made a study visit to Galați County and ISU Galați.

Following the 2 visits, the mayors and project partners concluded an Agreement on the creation of the IMPACT network, through which the signatories undertake to help each other in case of emergencies.

Best practice exchange seminar aiming to improve emergency management.

On 27.11.20, was organized a best practice exchange seminar in the field of exceptional situations, supported by representatives of DSE Cahul, National Red Cross Society of Romania – Galati branch and an expert in emergency situations from Galati, with the participation of local authorities and the members of the commissions for exceptional situations from Cucoara, Brînza, Borceag, Zîrnești and Văleni. The seminar presented the most common types of risks that can occur in Cahul district and Galati county. In addition to the basic theoretical presentations, the seminar focused on implementing practical methods to reduce the effects of natural or man-made crisis situations. Disaster prevention activities focus on reducing vulnerability and strengthening communities by identifying different security needs at the local level. The expected outcome of this seminar and other activities to be implemented through this project is to have well-trained committee members for exceptional situations who can adequately prepare the population for a disaster before it occurs. Along with activities that will focus on training the population to prevent and manage the consequences of a disaster, the expected outcome of this activity is to have well-prepared communities and to reduce the risks to their lives, health and property.