The role of the Mountain Rescue Service in natural and other disasters

With a 70 years tradition, the Mountain Rescue Service of Serbia (MRSS) is a non-governmental organisation comprised of volunteers specialised for rescue in rural, mountain and inaccessible terrain and in all weather conditions and unexpected situations. High physical and mental preparedness for extreme conditions, continuous improvement of skills and knowledge in the areas of security and rescue, proficiency in providing first aid and medical assistance to the injured is a distinguishing feature of MRSS members who exactly with their fearlessness provide security to citizens in all risk situations.

In the past 20 year, the MRSS rescuers have save over 15,000 lives, and during the last two years have conducted over 1,400 high risk operations. Over 250 active MRSS rescuers is available to all citizens throughout the entire territory of Serbia. At the call on potential danger, they are organised in teams and provide assistance in the field in coordination with rescuers from other responsible state authorities.

The MRSS has within the project ‘EU for Serbia Resilient to Disasters’ through a 200,000 euros worth EU donation received new vehicles, uniforms and equipment which will significantly increase rescuers efficiency in highly inaccessible terrains. The MRSS received 2 terrain vehicles, passenger van, a snowmobile, along with telecommunication equipment, stretchers, safety equipment for mountaineering and rescue uniforms. Besides the helicopter and water rescue training, other specialised training for MRSS member will be organised in line with EU standards. 

Please see video interview with the MRSS rescuer, Branislav Curcin, at the link.