High-altitude Rescuer - National Civil Protection

In this chapter of my #WorkExperiences, I explain my role in the Italian Civil Protection, where I volunteered from 2009 to 2012 as a high-altitude rescue operator.

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📑 Table of Contents

• National Civil Protection

• High-Altitude Rescuer

• Qualifications

  • Hydraulic Risk and River Rescue

  • Chemical Risk and Fire Control

  • Forest Fire Control

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🏛 National Civil Protection

Italian National Civil Protection logo.

I was part of the Albignasego unit of the Italian Civil Protection for three years (2009–2012), serving as a high-altitude rescuer within the S.I.R.E. squad (Squadra di Intervento di Recupero in Emergenza).

What is the Civil Protection?

Established in 1982, the Protezione Civile coordinates national resources in the event of natural disasters and emergencies. It also handles smaller-scale technical interventions across Italy.

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🧗 High-Altitude Rescuer

Two specialized high-altitude rescuers of the Italian Civil Protection, Alberto Carniel and Alessandro Fiorese, are practicing climbing at the Euganean hills (Padua, Italy).

As part of the S.I.R.E. squad, I was trained in climbing and high-altitude rescue techniques. We specialized in:

• Rope access and rappelling

• Victim retrieval in mountainous terrain

• Vertical evacuation and anchoring systems

Training took place regularly in rugged zones like the Euganean Hills.

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🎓 Qualifications

Beyond mountain rescue, I completed specialized training in multiple areas of emergency response:

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Alberto Carniel, a volunteer of the Italian Civil Protection, is going to help the population during a flooding of the river Roncajette in Albignasego (Italy, November 2010). An excavator allowed rescuers to reach the flooded houses.

🌊 Hydraulic Risk and River Rescue

This course prepared me for flood emergencies and swift-water rescues.

I learned:

• Rescue techniques for river and creek accidents

• Use of pumps, tanks for helicopters, and emergency shelters

• Best practices for reinforcing riverbanks

✔ I took part in real rescue efforts during the 2010 flood of the Roncajette river in Albignasego, helping seal embankments and build camps for displaced families.

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The Italian Civil Protection rescuer, Alberto Carniel, with an oxygen tank and gas mask, during a training course called, "Chemical risk and fire control".

☣️ Chemical Risk and Fire Control

This training focused on managing chemical accidents and indoor fires. It included:

• Use of oxygen tanks, gas masks, and extinguishers

• Handling of hazardous substances

• IPD (Individual Protection Device) deployment

• Emergency medical responses to chemical exposure

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🔥 Forest Fire Control (A.I.B.)

The A.I.B. certification (Antincendio Boschivo) enabled me to collaborate with forest rangers during wildfires.

Topics covered:

• Forest fire suppression strategies

• Safe equipment handling (flappers, drip torches, etc.)

• Emergency communication coordination

• Terrain-based fire response drills

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Want someone who keeps calm under pressure—even in a flood or fire?

Contact me and let’s tackle your next big challenge. No calls—promesso.