From 20 to 31 July 2026, the Branch Institute for Retraining and Advanced Training of the University of Civil Protection of the Ministry for Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus hosted an international ICDO training course entitled “Organization and Conduct of Emergency Rescue Operations during Emergencies Involving Electric Vehicles and Their Analogues.”

The programme brought together 11 specialists from ICDO Member States, representing Azerbaijan, Algeria, Benin, Egypt, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, and Tunisia.

The training combined theoretical instruction with extensive practical exercises. Participants developed skills in stabilizing electric vehicles, isolating high-voltage systems, extricating victims, providing first aid, cooling traction batteries using different techniques, and extinguishing fires involving electric vehicles under various operational scenarios.

A key component of the programme consisted of technical visits to leading Belarusian industrial and research institutions. At BELAZ Holding, participants studied the design, fire safety, and electrical safety features of heavy mining trucks powered by alternative energy sources, including hydrogen-powered hybrid and fully electric models. The programme also included demonstrations of battery cooling systems, fire suppression systems, emergency de-energization procedures, and operational response protocols.

At the Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, participants examined battery testing laboratories and gained insight into the design, fire risks, and safety systems of prototype electric vehicles developed in Belarus. Additional training at Belkommunmash focused on emergency response to fires involving electric buses, trolleybuses, trams, and electric commercial vehicles, while practical sessions at the Belarusian State Medical University addressed victim extrication and emergency medical response following road traffic accidents. Participants also visited the BelGee automotive manufacturing plant.

Alongside the technical programme, participants became acquainted with the history and culture of Belarus through visits to the University of Civil Protection, the Safety Education Centre of the Ministry for Emergency Situations, historical sites, and cultural landmarks.

The successful completion of the course reflects ICDO’s continued commitment to strengthening professional capacities, promoting the exchange of expertise, and supporting Member States in addressing emerging challenges related to electric mobility and modern emergency response.