Disaster-ready youth trained at Üsküdar!

Students from Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (VSHS) Emergency and Disaster Management and Occupational Health and Safety programs successfully completed the 'Support AFAD Volunteer' training and joined the volunteer process. Within the scope of efforts carried out with the 'Disaster-Ready Üsküdar' approach, this year's fourth training aimed to increase students' awareness and enable them to serve as conscious individuals in potential disaster situations. During the training process, students participated in a comprehensive five-day program. Additionally, Üsküdar graduates working at AFAD also took part in the practical trainings.

Vice Director of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services and Head of Emergency and Disaster Management Program Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş stated that emergency situations occurring in our country can turn into disasters depending on their impacts, leading to serious loss of life during this process.

The important thing is to adopt a risk management approach!

Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş, stating that emergencies can always occur, emphasized that adopting a risk management approach is crucial.

Within the scope of risk management; he stated that it is of great importance to conduct hazard analyses, identify vulnerable areas, prepare emergency plans, organize training and drills, and establish early warning systems before any emergency occurs.

Demirtaş also pointed out the critical role of increasing societal awareness, stating that preventive measures such as strengthening buildings and urban transformation should be implemented to prevent emergencies from turning into disasters.

He added that it is vital for individuals to create disaster and emergency family plans in their homes, know their assembly points, and conduct regular drills with family members.

A comprehensive five-day training program…

During the training process, students participated in a comprehensive five-day program.

For the first three days, theoretical trainings were conducted at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus by AFAD trainers on:

-    Urban search and rescue,

-    Disaster psychology, and

-    First aid.

The last two days of the training continued practically at the Istanbul AFAD Provincial Directorate. In this context, students gained practical skills in areas such as:

-    Firefighting techniques,

-    Fire simulator room applications,

-    Earthquake awareness and evacuation training,

-    Use of rubble equipment, and

-    Shelter and tent setup.

Üsküdar graduates serve at AFAD

Eren Sivri and Muhammet Ali Özdemiroğlu, who graduated from the Emergency and Disaster Management program in 2025 and started working as search and rescue technicians within AFAD this year, also took part in the practical trainings.

They became 'Support AFAD Volunteers'

All participants who succeeded in the evaluation exam held on the last day of the program were entitled to receive the 'Support AFAD Volunteer' certificate, which is valid for three years.

Additionally, personal protective equipment such as helmets, reflective vests, glasses, masks, and gloves were gifted by AFAD to the students participating in the training.