CRI Lombardia and CRI Emilia Romagna maxi exercise together

Over 300 volunteers from two regions for three intense days of activity: from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April, the Regional Committees of the CRI of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna participated in an important interregional exercise.

CRI Lombardia and CRI Emilia Romagna: 3 intense days of activities

April 19th: nocturnal simulation of a major emergency

After the arrival of the volunteers and the regional mobile columns, the planning and setting up of the base camp began, located in Reggiolo (Reggio Emilia Province). Then the preparation of the operational teams for the exercise scenarios of the following days. During this period the operators were engaged in various simulations and practical activities, acquiring valuable skills and knowledge in the field of emergency management.

On the evening of 19 April, a nocturnal simulation was activated on a major emergency scenario in the town of Suzzara (Mantua): the simulated accident involved a bus, a car and a bicycle, with 20 injured people to manage. Thanks to the presence of volunteers expert in make-up and simulation, the scenario was made extremely realistic and engaging.

Four rescue teams were put to the test in managing a high number of injured people. This simulation provided a crucial training opportunity, allowing operators to improve their response capabilities in emergency situations, coordinating effectively and addressing complex challenges in real time.

20 April: training for emergency operators

During the morning of April 20th the emergency operators (OP.EM.) were involved in training activities of great value: a demonstration and exercise with water pumps at the Margonara lakes (Gonzaga) simulating the removal of a large quantity of water from a piece of land and preparing operators to manage flooding situations promptly and effectively. Furthermore, a training activity was carried out on the positioning and activation of a light tower, with particular attention to electrical safety and field systems.

In the context of the interregional simulation, the CRI special teams worked tirelessly to maintain and develop their skills on simulated scenarios. Dog units (UC), multi-purpose water rescue operators (OPSA), remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS), operators assigned to the psychosocial service (SeP), rescue with special means and techniques (SMTS), operators of activities aimed at migrant people (MIGR) and telecommunications technicians (TLC) collaborated synergistically, using cutting-edge equipment and under the guidance of an on-site coordination center.

The working groups conducted search and rescue operations in inaccessible and aquatic territories, ensuring the safe evacuation of the missing. This simulation was intended to reflect the commitment to preparedness and effective response to real emergencies. The special units demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for cooperation and coordination, showcasing the importance of joint preparation to deal with emergency situations of all kinds.

21 April: Rescue Teams Exercise in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Risk Environments

During the last day of the field, April 21st, a very important exercise took place at the “Iveco” plant in Suzzara, focused on the scenario of a chemical spill in the paint shop.

The exercise involved 33 site employees, simulating the need for decontamination and transport to hospitals. To effectively manage this complex situation, 30 specialized NBRC (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) rescue operators and a team consisting of an ambulance and a decontamination station were involved.

The training and preparation of these operators were crucial to ensure a timely and effective response to a possible emergency of this type.

The exercise made it possible to evaluate the intervention procedures, test the effectiveness of the equipment used and strengthen the collaboration between the rescue teams and local authorities. The Italian Red Cross is in fact committed every day to guaranteeing the safety and protection of communities, investing significant resources in training and preparation to face the most complex challenges linked to environmental and industrial risks.

Visit to the CRI Camp by the Authorities

Numerous civil and military authorities visited the camp, including the Mayor of the Municipality of Reggiolo Roberto Angeli, Eng. Paggi and Eng. Pilgrims from the Regional Agency for Territorial Security and Civil Protection, demonstrating their support for the activities of the Italian Red Cross.

The Vice Mayor of Reggiolo Albinelli Franco, the representatives of the Provincial Command of the Carabinieri, the Guardia di Finanza and the Fire Brigade of Reggio Emilia also stopped by the tensile structure of the camp, testifying to the commitment and organizational capacity and response of the CRI in the context of emergency and civil protection interventions to protect communities.

Furthermore, the Vice Prefect of the Province of Mantua Dr. Giorgio Spezzaferri and the Deputy Mayor Gonzaga Ferrari Carla were present, who underlined the importance of cooperation between the institutions and the Italian Red Cross already witnessed in the past with the 2012 earthquake which struck this territory.

The CRI authorities present were the Director of Emergency and Rescue Operations, Ignazio Schintu, the National Technical Delegate for Emergency and Rescue Operations Alessandro Brunialti, and the Contact for Special Relief, Fabio Carturan, together with the Presidents of some Territorial Committees of the regions involved .

Their presence strengthened the link between the different Red Cross structures and highlighted the importance of preparation and readiness in responding to emergencies.

Preparation and solidarity

The interregional exercise between CRI Lombardia and Emilia Romagna ended on the afternoon of Sunday 21 April: “A challenging and stimulating camp which gave us the opportunity to compare and learn – said Camp Chief Gian Luca Vicini – Our objective is always that of improving and being ready in case of need.”