Competition between emergency response teams

On the 24^th and 25^th of August 2012, the Center for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) in coordination with the People’s Committee of Hai Duong and Huong Phong commune of Thua Thien Hue Province held a competitive event for the village’s emergency response teams (ERT). Attending the event were 120 members from six emergency teams and representatives of the commune People’s Committee.

The attendees were very active and willing to learn and share with each other. The event comprised of a number of different activities such as how to use life preservers and improving first aid skills, which are very helpful during the storm season. In addition, six teams were provided with an opportunity to enhance their communication skills through acting in plays that simulate the natural disaster planning workshops of the community or the community evacuation procedures.

The passion and responsibility of the six teams in the event not only contributed to the event’s success but also attracted the attention of the local population to attend and recognize the importance of being well-prepared for the coming storm season, especially those in the most vulnerable areas, including the Hai Duong and Huong Phong commune.

At the end of the event, the ERTs from Thai Duong Ha Bac village of Hai Duong commune and the team from Tien Thanh village of Huong Phong commune shared the first place on the podium, along with the second place winners and third place winners. It was the first time that SRD held a competitive event for the ERTs but it was successful beyond SRD’s expectations. The event promoted solidarity among members and teams, as well as provided them with the opportunity to practice their skills.

‘The ERT is a helpful body of the commune People’s Committee in mitigating the natural disaster’s damage. Some teams have earned experience from reality for one year and the others also absorbed the basic skills in responding to natural disasters. However, all teams need more practice in order to effectively respond to natural disasters. In addition to practicing skills, the ERTs are also provided with professional skills and knowledge by Red Cross officers and SRD staff. I hope that these six teams would utilize this event to complete their skills and contribute to the community in terms of natural disasters response,’ said Mr Ngo The, Vice President of Huong Phong commune People’s Committee.  

-SRD-