Disaster-Ready Youth are Trained at Üsküdar!

Students from Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO) Emergency and Disaster Management and Occupational Health and Safety programs successfully completed the “Support AFAD Volunteer” training and joined the volunteering process. Within the scope of the efforts carried out with the understanding of “Disaster-Ready Üsküdar,” this year's fourth training aimed to raise 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 within AFAD also took part in the practical training sessions.

Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş, Assistant Director of Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services and Head of Emergency and Disaster Management Program, stated that emergencies in our country can turn into disasters due to their impacts, leading to serious loss of life.

Adopting a risk management approach is crucial!

Instructor Esad Sadık Demirtaş stated that emergencies can always occur and emphasized the importance of adopting a risk management approach.

He stated that within the scope of risk management, conducting hazard analyses, identifying vulnerable areas, preparing emergency plans, organizing training and drills, and establishing early warning systems are of great importance 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 escalating into disasters.

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

Comprehensive five-day training program…

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

For the first three days, theoretical training was provided by AFAD trainers at Üsküdar University Çarşı Campus 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:

-    Practiced firefighting techniques,

-    Applied fire simulator room scenarios,

-    Received earthquake awareness and evacuation training,

-    Learned to use debris equipment, and

-    Gained practical skills in areas such as shelter and tent setup.

Üsküdar Graduates are Serving in 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 training.

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, valid for three years.

Additionally, personal protective equipment such as hard hats, high-visibility vests, goggles, masks, and gloves were gifted by AFAD to the students who participated in the training.