Promotion of the New Specialized Equipment and Vehicles for Winter Rescue Operations (Video and Photo)

New specialized equipment and vehicles for rescue in winter conditions, intended for the Mountain Rescue Service, Alpine Club PATAGONIA, and for the local teams from Debrca and Gramsh Municipalities, were promoted today at Ohrid Riviera. This equipment was procured with European Union funds, through the IPA2 Cross-border Programme between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania, within the project “New opportunities for safe winter adventures”, implemented by Ohrid Red Cross.

With the procurement of these vehicles and equipment, the Mountain Rescue Service completes the process of equipping for effective operation in all seasons and meteorological conditions, and by equipping the local teams in the Municipalities of Debrca and Gramsci, significantly expands the territorial scope and efficiency of rescue operations in the future.

The President of the Red Cross Ohrid, Mr. Sasho Tockov, the Minister of Local Self-Government of RNM Mr. Goran Milevski, and the EU Ambassador to RNM, H.E. David Geer addressed the present guests, expressing satisfaction with the success of the projects that established this regional Mountain Rescue Service in accordance with the highest international standards, and stressed the importance of active involvement of local governments in its future sustainability.

After the official part, members of the Mountain Rescue Service presented the new vehicles and equipment to the guests. Also, the senior officials of the Crisis Management Center, Directorate for Protection and Rescue, Special Task Force, Helicopter Unit of the Ministry of Interior and Air Force, visited the operational and training center of the Mountain Rescue Service and discussed the deepening of cooperation, in order to increase the effectiveness of rescue operations in the future, not only in the Ohrid region but also beyond.

On this occasion, we would like to express our special gratitude to the Delegation of the European Union to the RSM and the Ministry of Local Self-Government, not only for the financial support but also for the active involvement in the process of integration of the Mountain Rescue Service in the national risk management system, as well as for quick and effective operation across borders.