Between 11th and 17th June 2014, ten members of the St John Rescue Corps (SJRC) took part in an intensive international training camp in Konstanz, Germany, hosted by the Local Chapter of the THW (Federal Agency for Technical Relief). The experience was made possible through full funding by the EU Civil Protection Exchange of Experts Programme, which promotes cross-border learning among emergency response organisations.
The multi-agency training programme included:
- Structural shoring of collapsed buildings in collaboration with the THW
- High-angle rescue techniques with the Konstanz Fire & Rescue Department
- Water rescue and diving exercises with DLRG (German Life Saving Society) Konstanz
- Medical camp setup and emergency response simulations with the Malteser Konstanz
Throughout the week, SJRC members trained side-by-side with their German counterparts, sharing technical knowledge and best practices across a wide range of rescue disciplines. The exchange of expertise not only enhanced operational readiness but also strengthened international cooperation in the field of civil protection.
As part of the programme, SJRC volunteers also travelled to Austria to observe a large-scale national emergency exercise involving the Austrian Police, Army, Red Cross, Fire & Rescue Services, and Mountain Rescue Volunteers. The high-profile event was observed by Austria’s Minister of the Interior, Johanna Mikl-Leitner, and other senior officials. Following the exercise, participants were welcomed at the all-volunteer Fire Department of Rankweil for a tour of their station and equipment.
This training initiative follows a similar overseas camp held in November of the previous year, when 21 SJRC members attended an Urban Search and Rescue course at the Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training and Development Centre in Liverpool, UK.
SJRC remains committed to organising regular international training opportunities to keep its rescue volunteers highly skilled, motivated, and globally connected. Plans are already underway to host some of these partner organisations in Malta for a reciprocal training programme in the coming year.
