LIFE LINE 2025

LIFE LINE is the first of its kind and the only full-scale simulation of a rescue operation after an earthquake in Bulgaria.

It brings together volunteer rescue teams from Bulgaria and abroad to take part in a realistic crisis scenario inspired by actual earthquakes.

This is not just a training exercise, but an intensive simulation where nothing is pre-scripted – all participants and teams must react in real time, relying on their own preparation, knowledge, skills, intuition, and coordination.

REGISTER
Nighttime rescue scene with firefighters and rescue personnel attending to an emergency in a dark outdoor area with snow and debris, equipment and backpacks on the ground.

ABOUT THE SIMULATION:

  • LIFE LINE is the only full-scale simulation in Bulgaria of a search and rescue operation after an earthquake.
    It recreates real-life conditions where volunteer teams must operate in a critical, intense, and unpredictable environment.


  •  Participants may include volunteer SAR formations, professional first aid teams, mountain rescuers, paramedics, logistics and communications teams, as well as observers from NAVRB or other partner organizations.


  •  The simulation will run between 24 and 36 hours without interruption, in order to mirror as closely as possible the real conditions of an emergency.

  •  The goal is to increase participants’ readiness to act in disasters, to train inter-team coordination, effective communication, first aid provision, logistics, and response in critical conditions and on difficult-to-access terrain.


  •  The scenario involves an earthquake aftermath, multiple casualties with varying injuries, possible flooding and fires, challenging terrain, severe weather conditions, limited resources, disrupted communications, and the need for urgent action.

  • No. The simulation is entirely based on realistic circumstances and is not prescripted – the reactions and decisions of the command center and participants drive the course of events.

  •  Safety is a priority. On the organizer’s part, a medical team will be on-site, along with clearly marked safety instructions that must be strictly followed. However, the organizers cannot guarantee absolute safety, and as it would happen in a real disaster, the participants must figure out how to secure every site BEFORE a team can safely work it! 

    Every registered participant must declare that they assume full responsibility for their actions and any consequences to their health, as well as confirm that they have valid insurance coverage for the entire period of the simulation.

  • The main value lies in practice – participants gain real-life experience. Certificates of participation may be issued upon request.

  • DATE: November 29–30, 2025


    LOCATION: We recommend arriving in Sofia in the evening of November 28, as the start and exact coordinates of the simulation will be revealed at the last moment, when the disaster alert is given.

  •  There are several possible roles, depending on your experience, interests, and abilities:

    • Rescuer – if you are part of a volunteer or professional formation with basic or specialized training.

    • Casualty (role player) – if you wish to participate as an actor simulating an injury or condition requiring rescue.

    • Volunteer (logistics, organization, photo, and video coverage) – if you want to support the preparation, logistics, and on-site running of the simulation.

    • Drone pilot – if you own a drone and have piloting skills in field conditions, you can join aerial search and observation teams.

    • Operator of specialized equipment – such as communications devices, GPS systems, sensors, etc.

    • Search and rescue dog handler – if you and your dog have the necessary training.

    • Other role – if you are willing to take on another specific function, contact us and we’ll discuss the options.

    All roles are essential for the realism of the simulation and are coordinated in advance by the organizing team.

If you have additional questions, please contact us!

CONTACT US
An aerial view of a snowy parking lot with cars, emergency vehicles, and a group of people gathered around a tent and emergency supplies.

TRANSPORT & CAMP

  • The location is accessible by a regular city car.

  • As there are no accommodation options nearby, we recommend bringing bivouac gear or suitable equipment for sleeping in your car.

  • Recommended list of basic personal bivouac equipment:

    • Anything you or your team consider necessary to ensure rest, comfort, and operational readiness for up to 36 hours of field work.

    • If you have any questions on this topic – write to us!

Construction workers in a tunnel, wearing helmets and reflective jackets, inspecting and working on equipment and debris on the floor of the tunnel.

TERRAIN

  • The terrain (especially in the indoor areas) is very challenging. Prepare clothing, footwear, and gloves made of suitable materials that can protect you from cold, moisture, mechanical impact, friction, and other risks.

  • IMPORTANT: A basic set of personal protective equipment is mandatory. If you are an individual participant and you are missing some items, contact us so we can assist you in obtaining them.

    • HELMET with chin strap

    • Boots protecting the foot and ankles (steel toe recommended)

    • Work gloves with reinforced protective layer

    • Clothing (outer layer) made of durable material resistant to mechanical stress, or special protective clothing (if available)

    • Safety glasses /dark and clear lenses/ (EN166 standard)

    • Respirator-type mask for protection against aerosol particles and fine dust (FFP3 standard or higher)

    ⚠️ The organizers reserve the right to exclude any individual or team with inadequate equipment from the simulation and move them from the red zone back to the base camp until the minimum requirements for working in a hazardous environment are met.

A group of people in winter clothing and high-visibility jackets gathered outdoors on a snowy field during dusk, flashing lights on cars. They are standing in a circle, some looking at devices or discussing, with trees and vehicles in the background.

METEO

  • The weather at the end of November will be cold, with a likelihood of snowfall. Prepare and adapt your gear, command setup, and camp to winter conditions. Follow the weather forecast from trusted sources.

  • The simulation will last approximately 36 hours.

  • There will be field activities throughout the full duration of the simulation