NVFC Participates in International USAR Exercise

April 19, 2022

National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) first vice chair Kevin D. Quinn traveled to Italy in March to participate in an international urban search and rescue (USAR) exercise. In total, 17 teams comprised of 220 rescuers from 11 nations took part in the event.

This was the fourth time that Quinn was able to attend this training. Organized by Associazione Edelweiss, an Italian civic protection association that operates in the areas of EMS, wildfire, logistics, and special rescue, the event promotes international cooperation, idea sharing, and the exchange of best practices to enhance search and rescue techniques for all involved.

“The fire and rescue communities in other nations face the same challenges and obstacles that we do in the U.S.,” said Quinn. “Through collaboration, discussion, and training events such as this one, we can learn from each other, help each other, and improve the fire and rescue services that we are able to provide to our communities.”

Photos courtesy of Carlotta Laconia.