Miory Regional Executive Committee
Assistance for medical emergencies, threat neutralization, and the emergency evacuation of spectators from the Summer Amphitheater – these scenarios were rehearsed during joint drills conducted ahead of the "Slavic Bazaar in Vitebsk" by police officers, medical personnel, and Ministry of Emergency Situations staff.
Upon arrival at the main performance venue of the international arts festival, adjacent to the Summer Amphitheater, spectators will be required to pass through a checkpoint to attend the concert. Police officers stationed there will inspect attendees for prohibited items that could endanger the lives and health of individuals present at the amphitheater concerts. During one of the exercised scenarios involving the discovery of such an item in a spectator’s bag, police officers promptly subdued the individual, after which a rapid response unit escorted him to the police station.
Law enforcement officers are also tasked with monitoring the well-being of citizens at the checkpoint. In accordance with the drill scenario, a member of the queue reported feeling unwell; police officers immediately contacted the ambulance crew stationed near the amphitheater, and medical personnel responded without delay. First aid was administered to the simulated patient, who was then transported in a specialized vehicle to assess whether further hospital treatment was required.
Police officers remain prepared to respond swiftly to any potential threats. Following a report from municipal service workers who identified an object resembling an explosive device in a waste receptacle, a unit from the bomb disposal service promptly arrived at the amphitheater. Through the effective work of the handlers and their canine partners, alongside the coordinated actions of the bomb disposal specialists, the potentially hazardous item was successfully secured.
Regarding the safety of festival guests within the auditorium of the Summer Amphitheatre, everything here has also been planned and rehearsed to automatic precision. During drills on the stage area, one of the information service staff members—who can be identified in the hall by their bright lime-green vests—noticed a fire. He immediately raised the alarm, spectators were evacuated and directed toward safe exits, while meanwhile rescuers arrived at the simulated fire source. They were tasked not only with extinguishing the local fire but also with assisting one of the spectators. The drills at the Summer Amphitheatre demonstrated that all services scheduled to stand duty here during this large-scale cultural event know how to act in emergency situations.
"Law enforcement agencies have carried out extensive preparatory work in the field of public order maintenance to create comfortable conditions for citizens and ensure their safety at the highest level. Festival events are scheduled across 24 main venues. Daily, 20 checkpoints will operate to allow citizens access to the festival venues (the Summer Amphitheatre and the 'Vitebsk' Concert Hall), where 63 entry points will be organized," noted Andrey Lyubimov, Head of the Internal Affairs Department of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee.