NEWS
The head of the guard of the emergency rescue service, Baglan Utepov, is a man who devoted his life to a brave and noble cause. His work biography is a story of loyalty to his profession and his native Factory.
He started his career in 1995, having got a job at workshop No. 20, where the gas rescue service of the Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Combine was located at that time.
A lot has changed since then: the equipment, the structure, even the name of the division.
On January 1, 2025, the gas rescue service merged with the fire department, and thus the emergency rescue service appeared. But one thing has remained unchanged – dedication and the desire to serve the safety of people and businesses.
A service where everything is important
The Emergency rescue Service is one of the key divisions of the Plant. Her work is multifaceted and requires constant attention, discipline and responsibility. Employees are on duty around the clock, monitoring the state of fire and industrial safety. They carry out preventive inspections of the equipment, monitor compliance with fire safety regulations, participate in emergency training and training alarms with the departure of equipment.
– Every day we solve dozens of tasks, from monitoring fire and gas hazardous work to participating in training and preventive inspections, – says Baglan Utepov.
Thanks to the well-coordinated work and responsibility of each employee, the service develops, improves methods and increases the level of readiness for any situation.
Merging experiences and new opportunities
The unification of the gas rescue and fire services has become a logical continuation of the Plant's systematic work to strengthen industrial safety. Back in 2022, the company received a certificate for the right to operate a non-governmental fire service, and now the combined structure operates under a single head. This made it possible to increase the responsiveness, improve interaction between departments and expand the range of tasks. Today, the emergency rescue service is a modern unit equipped with reliable equipment and protective equipment.
Employees are trained in specialized centers, where they receive the qualifications of a lifeguard, fire rescue, and smoke protection. Fire truck drivers also undergo mandatory training, because the equipment must be ready to leave at any moment. Thematic courses and practical exercises are regularly held here in a smoke-proof chamber, where rescuers practice actions in conditions of limited visibility and learn how to interact clearly with colleagues.
A separate area of work of the service is the training of volunteer gas rescue teams operating in all workshops of the Plant. Instructors of the emergency rescue service conduct classes, demonstrate the operation of breathing apparatus, and teach the rules of first aid.
Everyday life of a lifeguard
The working day of the chief of the guard is scheduled by the minute. The morning begins with a pre-shift medical examination, briefing and checking the readiness of the personnel. Then there is a tour of the sites, control of fire and gas hazardous work, and participation in training.
In the even ng, the results will be summed up, the shift will be completed, the documentation will be completed, and the territory will have to be bypassed.
The service has its own unspoken traditions that are passed down from generation to generation.
– Now our team is young, but we continue to follow the traditions that have been preserved since the days of the gas rescue service. For example, we do not turn on the siren unnecessarily – it is considered that this is a disaster. Or we don't wipe the flashing lights – it's a bad omen," says Baglan Utepov.
The power of the collective
The emergency rescue service is a close–knit team where everyone understands that people's safety depends on them. Experience is respected here, newcomers are supported, and traditions are cherished.
Rescuers are not only professionals in their field, but also active athletes. They are happy to participate in the sports contests of the Plant. Recently, the team of united workshops No. 6, 9 and 22 won the second place in the football tournament – a well-deserved success and a reason for the pride of the entire ACC team.
And outside of work and competitions, lifeguards' lives are filled with other joys. Some people prefer active recreation, while others prefer peace and quiet. For Baglan Utepov, fishing became the best way to escape from everyday worries.
– We used to go to Bukhtarma with overnight stays and boats. Now, of course, it's more often just going ashore, but the craving for water remains," he smiles.
On guard of life and safety
The work of a rescuer requires courage, physical endurance and moral fortitude.
– There are no random people in our service. To be a lifeguard, you need to be disciplined, conscientious and ready for full dedication," says the head of the guard.
These words accurately reflect the philosophy of the whole team: the rescuer is always ready to help – without fear or doubt.
Today, the service staff uses modern equipment. The oxygen equipment has been updated in the unit, which allows for quick refilling of cylinders.: this significantly increases the speed of response in emergency situations.