Neptune-2010 tactical and cooperative exercises

Pavlodar, August 20, 2010 (Khabar) - The Neptune-2010 large-scale tactical and cooperative exercises for rescue services of the Kazakhstan Ministry of Emergency Situations have begun in Kazakhstan. In compliance with the scenario, two small-sized motorized vessels collided on a river. People from the two boats are unable to get out of the water due to the depth and injuries received. Rescuers arrived at the scene within a few minutes with no casualties reported. This was an ideal outcome of such a scenario but real situations can be much more sophisticated.

Anatoliy Balashov, rescuer:
- People have been going for a rest and they will be. Alcohol and poor swimming skills are the main reasons for casualties. Water is water.

In compliance with the government’s decree, joint squads of rescuers are formed in each region. Moreover, in case of fire in neighbouring regions of Russia, Emergency Situations Ministry officials have the right to cross borders under a facilitated scheme. Recently, helicopters of Kazakhstan’s Emergency Situations Ministry helped extinguish fires in the Voronezh region of Russia. But rescue is not only machinery but people in first place. Sergeant Yermek Alikhanov saved dozens of lives during a fire in Yekibastuz but was badly burnt. Recently, he underwent another surgery while his fire division awarded its hero.

Yermek Alikhanov, fire fighter:
- I am thankful for monetary and moral assistance. I am receiving a great help. Thank you all. I am happy that I work in the structure where they help people. I can feel that I am supported.

The Neptune-2010 tactical exercises will last for two more days. Rescuers will be showing their skills in the situations which are as close to real ones as possible.