The 4,000-strong Russian rescue force called EMERCOM, is celebrating its professional holiday. On December 27, 1990, a special rescue service that later became the Russian Ministry for Emergency Situations, was formed.
However, professional rescuers first appeared in Russia only in 1992. Since then, 110 rescue operations have been conducted, more than 70 tons of humanitarian goods delivered, and over 2 million people rescued from disasters.Today, the Russian Search and Rescue Service employs around 4,000 rescuers including 140 servicemen with the highest international qualifications.The teams work throughout the country providing vital assistance during major emergencies.Among other missions, rescuers patrol mountain slopes and dive into the sea. Cynologists with sniffer dogs accompany the rescuers everywhere.