InReady for Response

As Aneta emphasizes, this is the first time since 1989, erstwhile a real threat from outside was signalled in Poland and people did not know how to behave. “No 1 knew what to do or what to do erstwhile we hear specified an alarm,” confirms Magda, who arrived for training from Świdnik’s about 40 minutes away. I walked in on the Citizen, and I was trained in Chełma. I have a good train connection, so I am happy to come – he adds.

A 4th before 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, 16 men, women and men of different ages, were present at the gate of the 19th Chełmian Mechanized Battalion. Each had its own motive. I'm here due to the fact that I'm curious. I like outdoor activities and I wanted to get out of the home – says Konrad from Lublin. Another contestant came from Lubartowa. “I like to be independent and know what might happen to me in the event of difficulties,” she says.

24-year-old David and Dominic were the youngest members of the Saturday training group. – It is worth gaining cognition that cannot be acquired in school. Yes, there is simply a lot to learn from the net or YouTube, but it is not the same – they both think. As they admit, it is better to have an teacher who will show you how to usage a map and compass or set up a camp. David and Dominic besides believe that modern education should place greater emphasis on elements of endurance discipline and consequence to emergencies.

– The group is determined and committed – he praised the participants of the Saturday training, Major Paweł Kłyś, Chief of Staff 19 BZ in Chełma. As the officer mentions, civilians were practicing, among others, the construction of shelters, the burning of a fire, the methods of water treatment, the extinguishing of fire, the usage of a map and compass and first aid.

They learned the contents of the evacuation backpack and learned how to respond wisely, calmly and above all effectively. They besides learned the difference between a shelter and a place of temporary refuge. They found out why hiding in an underground parking lot is not the best solution, what to do if we hear a chemical contamination alarm while in a buying mall and how to decently usage a gas mask.

The group followed the instructions very well. Now the most crucial lessons that will be learned after this training – says Lieutenant Sebastian Sękowski of 19 BZ. He believes that first of all, they request to know the first aid rules. “There are situations in everyday life erstwhile we gotta give it, and a large part of society does not know how to behave,” says the officer. He besides adds that possibly 1 of the students will like the military and would like to join its ranks.

As part of the awareness-raising of citizens and the expansion of armed forces' individual reserves next year, widespread defence training will start in full: group and individual. Anyone over 18 can sign up. The pilot classes “in Ready” will last until the end of 2025, and there are 4 modules of 8 hours each: survival, security, first aid and cyberhygiene.