A 120-hour training program for roster members of the Georgian national Emergency Medical Team (EMT) started on September 29 and will end on October 17 with financial support of the World Health Organization (WHO). The training program is aimed at preparing a pool of specialists to be mobilized for the EMT deployment, emphasizing the mechanisms of humanitarian aid, civil protection, and the operation of emergency medical teams. Participants will also learn about international best practices, as well as the logistical, medical, and psychological aspects essential for the effective management and deployment of the EMT. EMTs are meant to be deployed both nationally and internationally during emergencies to support own or other countries during emergency responses.

"I would like to thank ASB Georgia and Germany for supporting this very important project. Years ago, with ASB’s help, we began building EMT capacity in Georgia, and this work continues today. Through this project, WHO mentors are helping us establish standards that we hope will soon lead to verification and international EMT classification," said Amiran Gogitidze, Head of the Medical Department at the Emergency Situations Coordination and Urgent Assistance Center.

Representatives of ASB also attended the event. Clemens von Heimendahl, Regional Director of ASB Caucasus, stated: "We are delighted to be implementing this project for the fourth consecutive year. After a number of significant capacity-building activities and the provision of necessary equipment for EMTs in Armenia and Georgia, the project is approaching completion. However, this does not mean our support will stop. It is vital for both Georgia and Armenia to have internationally classified EMTs."

In the coming weeks, Georgian EMT members will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practical simulation exercises.