As part of the “Staff Capacity Enhancement Program”, each year Tokyo Fire Department (TFD)　conducts a “Rescue Techniques Training Course” for fire department staff from member cities of the Asian Network of Major Cities 21 (ANMC21).  This course aims to foster the development of instructors for promoting rescue techniques, as well as enhancing firefighting and rescue techniques in accordance with the realities of each member city.
This article is to report the training course conducted in Hanoi.

This course was conducted in two phases. The first phase was carried out in Tokyo, while the second phase was executed in Hanoi.
The first phase of the course was conducted in October of 2013, when six trainees from the Hanoi Fire Department arrived in Tokyo to study TFD firefighting activities and techniques. The commander and members of the 3rd District Headquarters Fire Rescue Taskforce (Hyper Rescue) acted as the TFD course instructors. Over a two-week period, trainees learned the practical rescue techniques actually deployed by the TFD. On conclusion of the first phase, they returned to Hanoi and polished up on those techniques they had acquired.

For the second phase of the course, TFD members visited Hanoi for three weeks from February 17th, 2014. This phase was conducted for Hanoi Fire Department members to further deepen their understanding of the firefighting and rescue techniques learned and acquired at the TFD training in October.
The TFD dispatched three instructors to Hanoi. A supervisory instructor of TFD fire brigades was accompanied by both the Hyper Rescue Unit Commander who had instructed students in Tokyo and another member of the same unit.

The second phase took place at a Hanoi Fire Department training facility within the city Due to the impact of seasonal winds, morning training sessions mostly occurred under rainy conditions.
The training environment in Hanoi differed from that in Tokyo with respect to different facilities, equipment and materials, etc. There were also some aspects requiring improvement to ensure the safety of participants. However, in that conditions were the same as when dispatched to handle disasters in terms of "using what was on hand as effectively as possible," TFD instructors changed training plans flexibly.

The course involved training from morning until late afternoon. Each day after the training, instructors from both cities gathered to review the training, confirm the next day's schedule, and exchange opinions with one another again and again. Sometimes exceeding the time allotted, instructors had discussions, and made consultations and adjustments closely to build up the program which meet Vietnamese buildings and town planning practices.

Some 48 excellent staff members from 13 fire brigades within the Hanoi Fire Department participated in the second phase. Although communication was not as smooth as initially thought because of language differences, in such situations, instructors could proceed the training by having trainees look at the equipment and materials used in training, and answering questions. Furthermore, the trainees showed a quick understanding of the rescue techniques they were encountering for the first time, there being a constant atmosphere of them desiring to acquire these techniques.

Due to the shortness of the three-week period, the course focused on basic rescue activities and techniques, as well as safety management skills. However, as the course proceeded, trainees became able to complete preparations before commencement times, and they became accustomed to verbally confirming their activities in a loud and clear voice. Through experiencing a range of training simulations, the sense of "never give up" mentality of Tokyo's rescue units were conveyed to trainees from Hanoi.

On the final day of general training, trainees showed great concentration in displaying all they had learned. For the TFD instructors as well, the course was a valuable experience. They received a warm reception from numerous fire brigades within Hanoi, and could learn about the Vietnamese character, the country's history, and the lifestyle.

Concerning the rescue activities and techniques of the Hanoi Fire Department, there are still many areas requiring further development. However, in that Hanoi's instructors take lead in training, and learning knowledge and techniques. Using this course as an opportunity, the rescue systems of the Hanoi Fire Department will be further enhanced.
In their future role as instructors, the trainees who successfully completed this course will help verifying the effectiveness of their activities, and by instructing others, they will further enhance the rescue activities and techniques of the Hanoi Fire Department.