|
|
|
|
The IRC is continually seeking to expand its expertise to cope with the wide range of prospective disaster scenarios. Our satellite communication systems enables us provide a reconnaissance and co-ordination service for the United Nations (UN). The prime function of the IRC is as a First Phase rescue team, and principally casualty location. The team goes prepared to assist in the co-ordination of the local/multinational rescue effort and includes a doctor/paramedic who gives assistance to casualties as well as ensuring the fitness of the team members. Flexibility of role is essential as teams inevitably become involved in humanitarian work, although the IRC has no capability to provide either full scale medical support or relief for survivors. It is the aim of the IRC to mobilise a self-contained rescue team within 24 hours (overseas), within minutes (UK), of a request for help being received. Equipment taken by the team will vary according to the nature of the disaster. The principal items include thermal image cameras, sound detectors, fibre optic probes, portable generators and lights, thermic lances, tents, fifteen days supply of food and water purification equipment, thus allowing the team to operate without imposing any additional strain on the host country. The size of the initial team will consist of approximately 15 people with additional or relief teams despatched as required. As well as the ability to operate the specialised equipment, some of which has to be specially imported into this country, team members require a working knowledge of the construction of buildings and structures, their behaviour prior to and during collapse, flammable and explosive material as well as rescue techniques from fire, vehicles, aircraft, vessels and from climatic extremes. Rescue work of this type can be very unpleasant and requires coolness in harrowing circumstances. Team members must be able to work as part of a close-knit integrated team, yet also be able to work independently and show initiative. They must be level headed, calm and clear thinking in a highly stressed situation. The success of any mission depends not only on having sufficient experienced personnel and equipment from the many international agencies available, but also on the ability to co-ordinate them into a unified, controlled operation. In any major disaster there are never enough skilled personnel to carry out all the tasks required in the initial stages. There is, however, usually a proliferation of unskilled help available. Team members have experience in the organisation and instruction necessary to involve local inhabitants effectively in the rescue effort. It is also important to remember that many unskilled personnel, particularly relatives of the victims, will want to involve themselves in the rescue work and it is, therefore, advantageous to harness this effort rather than allow it to run parallel to, or indeed at cross purposes to, the professional rescue work. |
|
Contact our webmaster (email: web @ intrescue.org) if you
have any questions or comments about this web
site.
|
