Published on: 2026-09-22
Source: Moscow Government – Правительства Москвы –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Non-profit organizations (NPOs) in the capital are organizing free workshops, training sessions, and educational events for residents on providing first aid. They teach how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, stop bleeding, and act in emergency situations without putting oneself or others at risk.
25 years guarding security
Moscow City Branch All-Russian Student Rescue Corps (International Public Organization VSKS) turned 25 years old. Thanks to Mayor of Moscow’s grant For the anniversary, the organization launched the project “MGO VSKS — 25 years on the path of volunteer development in emergencies.” It covers several areas at once. These include improving the competencies of volunteers and leaders of student and school rescue teams, conducting training-methodological gatherings and thematic events. But the main thing is practical exercises.
In the capital’s universities and colleges, master classes and promotional meetings are organized for future rescuers. Students learn the basics of mountaineering training, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and also study the legal aspects of providing first aid. Separate lectures are dedicated to the rights and responsibilities of volunteer rescuers, as well as the legal protections for them during emergency response.
Special attention is given to children. For example, at school No. 138, where the “JuniorRescue” squad operates, exercises were held among school rescue teams in Moscow. Representatives from various educational institutions participated — about 50 students simultaneously practiced skills for actions in emergency situations. According to the scenario, a group of tourists got lost in the “Serebryany Bor” forest park. The young rescuers had to find all the victims, provide first aid, monitor their condition, and offer psychological support until the ambulance arrived. Such training helps the kids stay calm in a real emergency situation.
Another challenge was the fire-rescue crossfit for the MGO VSKS Cup, which took place on the territory of the State University of Management (GUU) and gathered more than 70 participants. The youngsters demonstrated endurance, teamwork coordination, and readiness to act in conditions as close to real as possible. The young rescuers underwent an intensive training at the base of the Moscow city branch of the VSKS. They practiced key standards, including putting on firefighter gear and laying out the hose line.
Experienced instructors teach Muscovites cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bleeding control, limb immobilization, and safe transportation of the injured. A separate area focuses on working with youth, where young rescuers practice skills during drills simulating emergency situations.
Today, the Moscow city branch of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps includes 20 squads based at Moscow colleges and universities. The organization comprises over 500 volunteers who have undergone special training, are ready to assist in emergencies, and to teach others essential safety skills. Additionally, nine rescue squads operate based at Moscow schools.
In the near future in the communities MGO VSKS A series of educational videos will be released.
Reduction in the number of water-related incidents
With the help of the Moscow Mayor’s grant, the project “Water Key to Safety” is also being implemented Life-saving societies on the waters. It helps young people learn the basics of safe behavior around water and how to act in emergency situations. An extensive program has been prepared for students, including water safety training, workshops with active rescuers, online lectures analyzing real-life situations, and other interactive formats. Participants learn to assess the situation at the shore, notice dangerous currents, depth changes, and other risks. Special focus is given to how to properly call rescuers and help a person in trouble without putting oneself in danger. Practical exercises help reinforce the action algorithms.
Experts emphasize: preventing incidents on the water is always more effective than rescue operations. Therefore, the project focuses on education and practical skills.
“‘Water Safety Key’ is a systemic effort that provides students with useful knowledge, helps them better understand the dangers of bodies of water, and share this knowledge with loved ones. Such initiatives contribute to reducing the number of water-related incidents and foster sustainable safe behavior patterns among youth: water is not dangerous if you know how to behave correctly on it,” noted the organization.
The project will be completed with a sociological survey among participants. It will help assess the effectiveness and demand for the initiative, as well as determine directions for its development in the following year.
From junior instructor to coach
Volunteers are the foundation of the Russian Red Cross (RRC). Without them, the scale of assistance would be many times smaller, and there would not be enough staff for such coverage. Volunteers participate in programs and humanitarian missions. Anyone can join the team. There are no restrictions on age, profession, or experience. Training depends on the chosen direction, and basic skills are common to all.
In Moscow, training is organized at the headquarters of the Moscow city branch of the Russian Red Cross. In-person trainings, master classes, and gatherings are held here. Classes are also arranged at partner venues: in city and family centers, schools, universities, and non-profit organizations. Some theoretical modules are available online, practical skills are practiced in person.
The key training focus is first aid. The basic course lasts from eight to sixteen hours and includes lectures and hands-on practice with mannequins, covering cardiopulmonary resuscitation, bleeding control, assistance for loss of consciousness, and trauma care. Upon completion, a certificate is issued. More about first aid training can be learned at link.
Volunteers are separately trained to work in emergency situations. The participants learn to act as part of a disaster response team, assist victims, and coordinate with the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations. Another area of focus is psychosocial support. Volunteers are trained to handle calls on the hotline and provide support over the phone. Part of this training is conducted online, and part in person. After the basic course, a volunteer can conduct workshops for children and adults.
Stages of professional growth are provided. A junior instructor, after a basic course and additional training, conducts master classes under the supervision of a mentor. The instructor undergoes a 40-hour qualification upgrade program and receives a certificate, conducting basic trainings. A trainer is selected from experienced instructors.
To register, you need to fill out special questionnaire. In addition, you can write to the official community of the Moscow city branch of the RCC in the social network “VKontakte”. After training and signing the contract, volunteers stand watch at mass events, assist in humanitarian actions, work with vulnerable groups of the population, and participate in preventive programs.
The Moscow Mayor’s Grant Competition is the largest city program supporting social initiatives in a wide range of areas — from charity and help for children to sports and ecology. Thanks to the city’s support, non-profit organizations can scale their ideas and assist a large number of Muscovites. Moscow Mayor’s grants have been awarded to NGO projects since 2002.
To learn how the capital has changed over the past years, what initiatives aimed at making the lives of citizens even more comfortable are currently being implemented, and what awaits Moscow and its residents in the near future, you can find it in large-scale special project on the portal mos.ru, dedicated to the development of key sectors of the capital. Among them are transport, industry, healthcare, education, sports, and the construction industry.
On the project page “Social support and employment” you can learn about the opportunities available for city residents in need of support. The capital provides comprehensive assistance to families in difficult life situations, as well as to people with disabilities and participants in the special military operation. In Moscow longevity centers Regular exercise sessions and yoga, lectures, and other events are held. In addition, at the city’s employment service, you can undergo retraining and obtain a new in-demand profession.
Get the main news promptly in the official Moscow city channels on messengers “Max” and Telegram.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.