About Us

The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM) (Naučno-stručno društvo za upravljanje rizicima u vanrednim situacijama) is a dynamic, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management. Established for an indefinite period, our mission is to elevate the theoretical knowledge base, conduct cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative research, organize impactful national and international conferences, launch and manage academic journals, deliver comprehensive training programs, and perform thorough risk assessments, along with other academic activities in this vital field. Recognizing the immeasurable importance and pivotal role of non-governmental organizations and civil society in disaster risk management, including their proactive contributions to public policy, risk reduction actions, advocacy for enhanced preparedness and resilience, aid to affected individuals, and collaboration with emergency response services, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković founded NSDR-URVS on June 15, 2018. This organization unites scientists and practitioners from Serbia and the region to collectively advance theoretical and empirical principles and support local decision-makers and leaders in managing disaster situations effectively.

The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (NSDR-URVS) is led by President Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, with Anja Beli serving as the Secretary. NSDR-URVS boasts a diverse membership of over 1,500 individuals, including professors from all state and private universities and faculties in Serbia, scientific researchers, practitioners (such as members of the police force, fire and rescue units, emergency medical services, military, and security-related NGOs), as well as students and young professionals directly or indirectly involved in research and practical activities related to emergency situations. Membership is open to all interested individuals and can be obtained by filling out the application form available on our website and submitting it via the Society’s email. Join us and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the field of disaster risk management.

To further enhance our scientific endeavors, on December 21, 2020, we adopted the Statute and established the International Institute for Disaster Research. This institute serves as a hub for basic, applied, and developmental scientific research in disaster risk management. Our research spans various crucial areas, including disaster and hazard phenomenology, preparedness and risk mitigation, protection and rescue operations, disaster recovery, international cooperation, and legal frameworks related to disasters. We are committed to exploring innovative solutions and sharing our findings to build a safer, more resilient world.

Goals of SPS-DRM

The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management (SPS-DRM) is committed to achieving several key objectives. Firstly, it focuses on conducting research in the field of disaster studies. This includes undertaking comprehensive studies to understand the various facets of disasters and their management. Secondly, the Society aims to establish and manage an international journal, specifically the International Journal of Disaster Risk Management, to facilitate the dissemination of research findings and advancements in the field. Additionally, SPS-DRM is dedicated to preparing, applying for, and implementing national and international projects on various aspects of disaster risk management. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to secure funding and support for impactful projects. The Society also prioritizes the promotion, design, implementation, and improvement of preventive measures against disasters, ensuring communities are better prepared and resilient.

Another crucial objective is raising public awareness. SPS-DRM develops and executes campaigns, programs, and plans to enhance public understanding of the necessity for improved disaster preparedness. This includes educating the public on best practices and safety measures. Furthermore, the Society organizes national and international scientific conferences on disaster risk management, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and networking among professionals. Conducting expert risk assessments and developing protection and rescue plans for emergency situations are also vital goals. These activities ensure that there are robust plans in place to mitigate the impact of disasters. Moreover, SPS-DRM is committed to organizing and conducting various forms of training, courses, seminars, and other educational activities for citizens, students, and employees in interested institutions. These programs are designed to enhance skills and knowledge in disaster risk management. Lastly, the Society performs other tasks in accordance with the law and its Statute, ensuring compliance and alignment with broader regulatory and organizational frameworks. Through these comprehensive efforts, SPS-DRM aims to significantly contribute to the field of disaster risk management and improve community resilience .

Completed Disaster Safety Training Programs

FIRST NATIONAL SECURITY TRAINING FOR YOUTH IN THE FIELD OF EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

The Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management successfully organized a youth training program after a three-year hiatus. This time, it introduced the First National Security Training for Youth in the Field of Emergency Situations. This unique program targeted young individuals aged 19 to 30, lasted three nights and four days, was entirely free of charge, and welcomed participants from across the country. Additionally, a crucial element of its success was the support it received from the Ministry of Interior, the Emergency Management Sector, and numerous other organizations, which will be mentioned later in this text.

The First National Security Training for Youth in the Field of Emergency Situations commenced on March 29 and lasted until April 2, 2022. The event took place in Guča, within the municipality of Lučani. Accommodations were provided at the Nordik – Zlatna Truba Hotel, located just a few steps away from the Guča Cultural Center. The Cultural Center served as the venue for theoretical lectures, as well as the formal opening and closing ceremonies of the training.

The program included a comprehensive curriculum designed to educate and engage young participants in the principles of disaster risk management and emergency response. The agenda featured interactive workshops, expert-led sessions, and practical simulations aimed at building skills in crisis preparedness and response. The free-of-charge nature of the program ensured inclusivity, allowing participants from various socio-economic backgrounds to attend.

The collaboration between public institutions and organizations from the private and non-profit sectors enriched the training experience. This partnership provided participants with a multidisciplinary perspective, encompassing theoretical knowledge, practical application, and the importance of interagency cooperation in managing emergencies effectively.

By offering an engaging and well-structured program in such a historic location, the event not only promoted education in disaster risk management but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among participants, contributing to the development of a more resilient society.

The first day of the training began at the Nordik Hotel, where participants and guests were welcomed, uniforms were distributed, and registration was completed. The day continued with the formal opening ceremony held at the Guča Cultural Center. The introductory segment was led by the training commander, the Director of the Scientific-Professional Society for Disaster Risk Management, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, who warmly welcomed participants and guests, officially inaugurating the training.

Opening remarks were also delivered by representatives of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, Mladen Radojičić, Commander of the Operational Unit of the Volunteer Fire Department in Guča, and Milivoje Dolović, the President of the Municipality of Lučani. Their contributions emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in disaster risk management and highlighted the role of youth in building a safer and more resilient society.

For the first time in the history of NSD-URVS and its activities, the event attracted media attention. Both Radio Television of Serbia (RTS) and Info Liga Ivanjica produced reports on the training, further showcasing the significance and impact of this initiative.

This media coverage marked a milestone for the Society, reflecting growing public interest and recognition of its efforts in disaster preparedness and education, and further motivating the organization to continue its impactful work.

Following the assignment of participants to groups, basic drill exercises, and lunch, the first practical exercise commenced. Given NSD-URVS’s longstanding collaboration with the Serbian Rescue Team, they once again participated this year, sharing their expertise through a demonstration exercise titled Rescue from Buildings Using Mountaineering Techniques. In addition to this, the Serbian Rescue Team conducted a session on „Knot Tying – Basic Applications of Knots and Mountaineering Equipment,“ further enhancing the participants’ practical knowledge.

Next, the President of the Volunteer Fire Department Guča, Radoje Milutinović, led practical exercises on Extinguishing Fires Using a Backpack Pump and Hydrant System. These hands-on activities provided participants with essential skills in fire suppression and emergency equipment handling.

The final lecture of the first day was delivered by Dejan Đurđević on the topic Safety in the Transport of Hazardous Materials and Behavior During Chemical Accidents. This session offered critical insights into handling chemical emergencies and ensuring safety during the transport of dangerous goods.

The day concluded with dinner and an entertainment program at the café-restaurant of the Nordik Hotel. Participants then observed lights-out and prepared for the activities scheduled for the second day of the training.

The penultimate day began, now following an established routine, with sports activities and breakfast, and continued with a five-hour practical exercise titled Practical Application of Tools and Equipment – Fire and Rescue Vehicle Operations, Introduction to Tools and Equipment, Use of Breathing Apparatus, and Hydraulic Extrication Tools. This session was led by Borivoje Gačić and Siniša Gobeljić. A highlight for the participants was the opportunity to ride in a fire truck through the streets of Guča, which added an element of excitement to the training.

Following the exercise, participants attended three lectures at the Guča Cultural Center. The first, The Role of the Serbian Army in Disaster Support, was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nenad Kovačević. This was followed by Risk Assessment of Critical Infrastructure, presented by Prof. Dr. Hatidža Beriša, and concluded with Topography and Orientation in Nature, led by Prof. Dr. Slobodan Miladinović.

With these sessions, the third day of the training came to an end. Participants gained valuable insights and practical skills, preparing them for the final day of this comprehensive program.

The final day of the training was primarily dedicated to theoretical lectures. The series of lectures began with Nemanja Miljković, a former secretary and collaborator of NSD-URVS, who presented on the topic Overview of the FCI-IRO System for Testing the Competency of Rescue Dogs. Nemanja then passed the stage to his colleague in this field, Tamara Jevtović, and her four-legged companion, Kiki, a German Hunting Terrier by lineage and a potential rescue dog, pending successful testing in the coming months. Together, they introduced and elaborated on the topic Rescue Dogs. Their mentor, Dr. Nenad Milojević, concluded this segment with his presentation on Biological Scent Detectors – Canis lupus familiaris, which provided a comprehensive overview of the subject.

This was followed by a lecture from Prof. Dr. Vesela Radović on a topic vital to NSD-URVS’s mission: The Role of Volunteers in Different Phases of Disasters in Local Communities. Additional presentations included First Aid Provision by the Red Cross of Lučani and Public Health Risks and Management in Emergencies at the Municipal Level by Jasmina Tanasić.

After a lunch break, the program continued with a diverse range of topics:

Tactics for Fighting Fires on Watercraft, Rescuing the Injured, Issuing Distress Calls, and International Exercises by Captain Vlado Vukas.
Hydrometeorological Early Warning Systems by Goran Mihajlović.
Safety Procedures for Handling Explosives by Olga Mladenović.
The Link Between Theory and Practice in Disaster Risk Assessment and Protection and Rescue Planning by Nemanja Slepčević and Tina Šipicki.
Between these two blocks of lectures, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković coordinated the practical exercise Safety Procedures for Handling and Using Firearms – Live Fire Shooting.

After four days filled with energy, discipline, the acquisition of new knowledge, the exchange of experiences, laughter, and the forging of lifelong friendships and memories, the training concluded successfully.

The formal closing ceremony featured remarks from the training commander, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, who expressed gratitude and evaluated the program. His associates also addressed the participants, and certificates were awarded, accompanied by group photographs. After the formalities, participants enjoyed a cultural and artistic program organized by the Municipality of Lučani.

In his final address, Prof. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković stated:
„For the first time, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and the Emergency Management Sector, we institutionalized this training and invested efforts to educate young people and prepare them to respond to various situations on a national level.“

This marked the successful realization of the training. Perhaps more importantly, the participants of the First National Security Training for Youth in the Field of Emergency Situations demonstrated exceptional commitment, keeping up with the demanding pace and completing all activities with great interest and enthusiasm.

Until next year and the next training of this kind: “Class of ’23, DISMISSED!”

Second basic safety training in Ovčarsko-Kablarska gorge

The Scientific-Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations (NSDR-URVS) held its second Basic Safety Training in the field of risk management and protection and rescue in emergency situations. The training was carried out by members of the General Purpose Civil Protection Unit NSDR-URVS, under the leadership of assistant professor dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković, president of NSDR-URVS, and other experts in the field of protection and rescue in the period from November 29 to December 1, 2019 in Ovčar spa. This time, around 30 male and female students from different Faculties had the opportunity to attend basic training in alpinism, topography and first aid, but also to acquire basic personal safety protection skills based on police tactics.

Namely, protection and rescue in emergency situations often involves moving and crossing inaccessible terrain. Fear of heights (acrophobia) is one of the most common phobias, and in order for future rescuers to be able to provide the necessary help, they must first check and/or overcome their fear. Therefore, the alpinism training included rock climbing and rappelling from the railway bridge on the railway between Čačak and Požega (about 30 minutes), so that the trainees would acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to safely approach the operation of rescuing injured persons. The ascent to the top of Mount Kablar (885 masl) was also an opportunity to overcome inaccessible terrain, but also to apply the acquired knowledge of topography. The success of the rescue operation in most cases depends on the ability of the rescuers to move, act and search unknown terrains using topographical maps, so the training included this aspect of protection and rescue.
Ambulance and other health care teams are not always able to arrive at the scene and provide the necessary assistance to vulnerable and injured persons, and providing first aid in emergency situations is another in a series of knowledge and skills that members of the civil protection unit, as well as citizens, they should master. Precisely because of this, the training included knowledge and skills important for: safely extracting people from rubble, water, etc., resuscitation, dressing wounds, stopping bleeding, immobilizing fractures and ensuring optimal transport.

However, the personal safety of the rescuer can be endangered in rescue operations, so the training included a short self-defense course and methods of disabling attackers. During the training, special attention was paid to fitness training and strength training, because only physically fit rescuers can, without endangering personal safety and life and health, provide the necessary assistance to vulnerable persons. An indispensable part of this type of training is teamwork, the development of unity and a high degree of cooperation among rescuers, which can be singled out as a particularly important element of the success of protection and rescue actions, but also a source of satisfaction for the participants themselves.

Natural disasters (eg earthquakes, floods, landslides, etc.) have always been an integral part of human life on planet Earth, however, in recent decades we have witnessed their increasingly frequent occurrence. The reality of modern man is also made up of various technical-technological accidents, such as accidents in various stages of production and transportation of dangerous and other substances, accidents in road, river, rail and air traffic, breakdowns in various plants, soil, water and air pollution, but the consequences of war destruction and terrorism. The experience so far, in our country and in the world, highlights the importance of citizens’ willingness to protect themselves and help save their loved ones, primarily due to the fact that they are the first to be found at the scene of such an event, while for the arrival of rescue and intervention units, it is necessary, first of all, to send call and then the time to reach the venue.

Therefore, we invite you to approach your safety responsibly and acquire knowledge and skills that can protect and save you and your loved ones in emergency situations. You can find out about our future trainings through the website and our profiles on social networks (Facebook and Instagram). You can become our member by sending an e-mail to upravljanje.rizicima.vs@gmail.com.

Basic security training in the area of emergency situations on Stara planina

In the organization of the Scientific-Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations (upravlenje-rizicima.com), basic security training in the field of emergency situations was implemented. The training was carried out on Stara planina in the period from July 13 to 16, 2019. Selfless support for the implementation of the training was provided by the Criminalistics and Police University in Belgrade, the Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center in Niš and the Serbian Rescue Team.

Training manager Assoc. Dr. Vladimir M. Cvetković stated that the training was carried out in full accordance with the adopted elaboration of basic security training and that in the coming period, field training organizations will be continued in order to raise the level of training of young people and citizens to a much higher level. Prof. participated in the implementation of the training. Dr. Boban Milojković from the Criminalistics and Police University and Professor Snežana Rajičić. The training was attended by more than 60 participants from different Faculties in the Republic of Serbia.

At the end of the training, the participants of the training were ceremoniously presented with certificates.

Third basic safety training in emergency situations

The Scientific and Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations organized the third basic safety training in the field of protection and rescue in emergency situations in the period from October 29 to November 1, 2020 in Ovčarsko-Kablarska gorge.

Starting from the basic safety training, the trainees attended courses in mountaineering and rescue in inaccessible terrain, diving and rescue on and under water, handling and manipulation of weapons, application of police powers and police tactics in emergency situations, topography, survival in nature , machine shops, etc. All participants of the training, after successful implementation, received a certificate confirming the level of their training for protection and rescue in emergency situations.

The training was attended by numerous instructors from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Department for Emergency Situations, the Serbian Rescue Team of Serbia, the Red Cross of Serbia, the Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center and instructors from the Criminal Police University and the Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade.

Basic safety training in the handling of firearms organized by the Scientific and Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations.

In 2019, the Scientific-Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations organized basic safety training in the handling of firearms in cooperation with the shooting range of the Military Academy of Arts in New Belgrade. On that occasion, participants had the opportunity to undergo theoretical and practical training in the use of firearms.

Orientation for the needs of protection and rescue in emergency situations

The second training was held on March 16, 2019 in Košutnjak on the topic of orientation for the needs of protection and rescue in emergency situations. Members of the Scientific-Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the basic elements of topography and the use of maps when planning protection and rescue in emergency situations. Prof. participated in the training. Dr. Boban Milojković from the Criminalistics and Police University in Belgrade.

Command-simulation exercise on the topic of landslide rehabilitation and the work of the City Headquarters for emergency situations

On April 6, 2019, the third training was held in the form of a command-simulation exercise on the topic of landslide rehabilitation and the work of the City Headquarters for emergency situations. Members of the Scientific and Professional Society for Risk Management in Emergency Situations, students of the Criminalistics and Police University, the Faculty of Security, the Faculty of Forestry, the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education participated in the exercise. The training was conducted by forming 4 work teams that received all the necessary material and scenario and, accordingly, solved the emergency situation, and each team had its own mentor.