Global Urban Search and Rescue Training Course Kicks Off: Enhancing Skills for Emergency Response

Tehran’s commitment to enhancing its disaster response capabilities is on full display as the Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization (TDMMO) hosts an international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) course. Running from Monday to Thursday, this pivotal course brings together representatives from local institutions such as the Tehran Fire Department and the Safety Services Organization, all focused on improving urban rescue operations.

In a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive training, instructors from the Emergency Situations and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Russian Federation (EMERCOM) are conducting online discussions, as reported by Mehr news agency. This initiative is aimed at empowering rescue teams with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to disasters.

Key Topics Covered in the USAR Course

• History and Methodology: Understanding the evolution of international search and rescue efforts.
• Objectives and Structure: Learning about the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
• Assessment Principles: Familiarity with the five key principles that guide USAR assessments.
• Search and Rescue Process: Step-by-step actions to be taken at each phase of the rescue operation.
• Documentation: Overview of essential documents and forms required by USAR teams.
• Ethical Considerations: Emphasizing the importance of ethics in rescue operations.
• INSARAG External Classification: Preparing for the process of achieving classification.

Ali Nasiri, the head of TDMMO, expressed optimism about how this training course will contribute to Iran’s ambition of joining INSARAG. To date, over 70 organizations from 90 countries have successfully achieved membership in this prestigious group.

Upon conclusion of the current course, **instructors from the INSARAG secretariat and EMERCOM will lead an in-person coordination course** in Tehran, scheduled between April 21 and May 21 of the current Iranian month. This follow-up course is expected to further enhance the capabilities of Iranian rescue teams.

Upcoming Simulation Exercises

In addition to the training course, a simulation exercise (SIMEX) and a comprehensive 36-hour full-scale exercise are planned for Tehran. These practical exercises are crucial as Iran aims to achieve international classification by 2026.

Participation in INSARAG Training Course

The Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization represented Iran in the INSARAG training course, which was conducted in collaboration with EMERCOM and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The specialized training focused on improving coordination and command in international search and rescue operations, particularly using the Incident Command Management System (ICMS).

Held at the Academy of GPS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, the course featured instructors from Armenia, Brazil, and Turkey. Participants learned how to effectively coordinate and manage international search and rescue operations utilizing specialized software. They also gained insights into data collection and processing systems over the course of the week.

One of the essential skills imparted to operation teams was the ability to swiftly transmit information from emergency sites to international search and rescue coordination centers using smartphones or similar devices. The ICMS processes, summarizes, and utilizes this information to collaborate with local authorities, guiding decisions on priority areas for relief and rescue services.

ICMS Adoption and Use

Designed in accordance with INSARAG standards, the ICMS is currently utilized by internationally certified teams and has been deployed in various relief missions across countries such as Lebanon, Libya, Turkey, Morocco, Thailand, and Myanmar. This system is pivotal for enhancing the effectiveness of international rescue operations.

In March 2024, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and the Tehran Fire Department underwent assessments conducted by INSARAG and EMERCOM. This initial assessment mission, which took place from March 9 to March 14, focused on achieving international classification based on INSARAG standards.

The essence of INSARAG is capacity building, and EMERCOM’s involvement as a member of the INSARAG network has been instrumental in providing technical expertise to support this initiative. A press release from the UN on March 19 highlighted this collaborative effort.

Throughout the week-long mission, representatives from INSARAG and EMERCOM engaged with Iranian officials and visited key facilities, including the Relief and Rescue Center of IRCS and the Training Center of the Tehran Fire Department. This mission, initiated at the request of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was facilitated by the TDMMO on behalf of the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO).

This comprehensive mission has established a roadmap for the remaining steps toward completing the classification process, marking a significant advancement in Iran’s disaster management capabilities.