Voices from the Jubilee of Youth 2025: The Rescuers' Camp
Interview with Giambattista Artesi, official of the Civil Protection Department - National and Territorial Logistics Resources Unit
A campsite spanning approximately three hectares has been set up within the City of Sport in Tor Vergata. It is designed to accommodate 4,000 people, including civil protection volunteers, law enforcement officials, and personnel involved in organizing and ensuring the security of the event. From this campsite, all activities related to the Jubilee of Youth 2025 within the Municipality of Rome will be coordinated.
How is the camp structured for the rescuers involved in the Jubilee of Youth?
The camp consists of twenty tents provided by the Italian Red Cross and ten tents supplied by the Lazio Region, designed to accommodate volunteers and staff arriving from all over Italy. The area features four field kitchens that offer dining services, including one specifically dedicated to individuals with food intolerances, allergies, or special dietary needs. Additionally, there are sanitary facilities and shower modules available. An Advanced Medical Post is also set up for rescuers, along with a helipad for emergencies.
How are activities coordinated?
At Tor Vergata, the Civil Protection Department has established the Advanced Operations Center (COA) to respond to requests from the community and ensure the coordination of activities and supervision of the event's progress. The COA is jointly managed by representatives from the National Civil Protection Service involved in the Jubilee of Youth, as well as coordination teams within the framework of the Extraordinary Commissioner for Jubilee 2025 and the Jubilee Situation Room of the Municipality of Rome. A tent structure has been set up to accommodate various units that focus on specific areas of activity, including health and social assistance, emergency telecommunications, accessibility and mobility, essential services, logistics, volunteering, coordination of aerial activities, and technical evaluation for weather forecasts. It also encompasses IT, international activities, press, and communication.
A crucial component of the COA is the security unit, composed of representatives from law enforcement agencies. This unit is responsible for ensuring prompt operational readiness in the event of incidents that could jeopardize the safety of pilgrims.
What was the purpose of establishing a dedicated area for operators within Tor Vergata?
The need for a designated area for operators has evolved from past experiences, underscoring the importance of being close to the event site and maintaining direct communication to promptly address the community's needs. This is particularly relevant during civil protection emergencies and the management of high-impact events, where large gatherings can unexpectedly lead to critical issues.