First Responder Team in Jurd Al-Qayteh

With the wild fires threatening the forests in Akkar, especially in Jurd Al-Qayteh being a mountainous area, and with only one civil defense office and very limited number of volunteers, SALAR International responded to Jurd Al-Qayteh community and union of municipalities needs by initiating a project aimed at establishing a network of volunteers. This network included a professional Emergency First Responder Task Force composed of Syrian and Lebanese trained volunteers who are willing to support the union and member municipalities in responding to emergencies, mainly forest fires and domestic fires in narrow villages or estates with difficult accessibility.

After applying, getting interviewed, and passing the documentation phase, 82 members including Lebanese and Syrian men and women were recruited and trained over a period of 4 months.

Training included first aid, fire fighting, and soft skills such as leadership and conflict resolution.

 

Outcome: More than 100 community members volunteered to be part of the First Responder Team, team leaders were shortlisted, and the team was formalized by the union , and its management council was formed and formalized.

The First Responder initiative provided a genuine and meaningful community involvement and inclusion of refugees and fulfilled needs that transcend nationality, gender, and old local conflicts related to identity, belonging, and nature conservation.