USAR

USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) not to be confused with "Urban-Ground Search and Rescue" but to be considered similar to CSSR (Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue" is a form of SAR that has become synonymous with International SAR teams responding to Disasters caused by earthquakes and Building Collapses. This is a very technical form of Search and Rescue requiring teamwork and leadership during operations.

USAR is Search and Rescue from collapsed structures whether from an earthquake, engineering accident or bomb for example. It is a complex form of technical rescue requiring many different tools and machinery skill sets and the ability to work within specialised teams in several areas of technical rescue like confined space, rope rescue, trench, use of dogs, etc., Shoring, breaching, braking, cutting, etc., as well as the use of specialist and technical Search capability and the use of USAR Dogs are familiar terms in the technical aspects of USAR mechanical skills.

Our standard 5 USAR training programmes are:

    1. Awareness Level

    2. Operator Level

    3. Technician Level

    4. Team Leader

    5. Bespoke Specific Training (Shoring, breaching, Breaking, Technical Search, etc...)

Using the acronym R.E.P.E.A.T. as a mnemonic, USAR Operators and Technicians are taught to approach the situation in 6 stages and learn various building and construction methods and SOPs.

R Reconnaissance

E Elimination of utilities

P Primary surface search

E Exploration of voids

A Access by selected debris removal

T Terminate by general debris removal

You would learn the types of collapse and how voids form in rubble piles as well as International USAR / INSARAG Marking and Signalling along with technical USAR / SAR methods.

It is generally regarded as an essential subject for International and Disaster Response Teams and the team classifications are Light, Medium and Heavy Urban Search and Rescue.

We also cover the use of USAR Dog Teams and can arrange for IRO related SAR Dog training from appropriate trainers.

The gold standard for international response can be seen in the United Nations INSARAG document although there are some excellent regional programmes in certain developed countries for USAR / CSSR.

-- Port Au Prince, Haiti - Jan 2010 - Earthquake

We have helped international teams aswell and trained local national teams and responders who may be the first affected from the local areas and also LEDCs (Less Economically Developed Countries.)