Chongqing hosts 1st national race for volunteer rescue teams

But many insiders suggest that the government needs to strengthen the management of the civilian teams and provide laws, regulations and capacity-building assistance to achieve orderly participation.

During a field research tour to Zhejiang province in August 2018, the ministry's Party secretary Huang Ming said that civilians are an indispensable part of the country's emergency response system and they have many advantages, including "flexible organization" and "high enthusiasm".

He said the ministry will build a more complete system of laws and regulations, organize competitions and assessments, and offer training for volunteers.