Disaster Response Intervention Unit

As part of the project “Establishment of an Intervention Unit of the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia”, funded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, a training session was held in September 2025 with the members of the newly formed Disaster Response Intervention Unit.

The unit consists of 45 members, made up of both staff and volunteers. Due to the scope of activities and the aim of ensuring effective engagement of all participants, the training was conducted in three groups. The Intervention Unit is organized into several teams, with the primary task of responding within the first 72 hours after a disaster occurs.

During the training, the unit members covered the following thematic areas:

• The role of the Red Cross in the national crisis management system
• The operational forces of the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia and their role in disaster response
• Rapid assessment
• Safety in crisis situations
• Dissemination and the code of conduct
• Communication and coordination in crisis situations
• Psychological first aid
• Lessons learned – The Kochani Fire

With the establishment of this semi-professional intervention unit, the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia expects a significant increase in efficiency and preparedness for timely and coordinated responses to future disasters.