Tehran’s Crisis Management Team Enhances Skills at INSARAG International Training Course
Tehran’s Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization has recently represented Iran in an essential training course conducted by the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG). This course, organized in collaboration with the Emergency Situations and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters of the Russian Federation (EMERCOM) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), aimed to enhance coordination and command in international search and rescue operations. The specialized training focused on the Incident Command Management System (ICMS) and took place at the Academy of GPS of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, as reported by ILNA.
Overview of the INSARAG Training Course
The INSARAG training course was designed to improve the efficiency of international search and rescue operations. Here are some key highlights:
- The course included instruction from experts from Armenia, Brazil, and Turkey.
- Participants learned to coordinate and manage international rescue missions using specialized software.
- They became familiar with data collection and processing systems over a week-long period.
- Operation teams were trained in quickly transmitting information from emergency sites to international coordination centers using smartphones and similar devices.
In the realm of the ICMS, vital information is processed and summarized to assist collaboration with the affected country’s authorities, helping to identify priority areas for relief and rescue services.
Importance of the Incident Command Management System (ICMS)
The ICMS was designed according to INSARAG standards and is currently utilized by internationally certified teams. It has been effectively deployed in various relief missions across the globe, including:
- Lebanon
- Libya
- Turkey
- Morocco
- Thailand
- Myanmar
Assessment of Iranian Crisis Management Teams
In March 2024, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and the Tehran Fire Department underwent an assessment by INSARAG and EMERCOM. This initial assessment mission was conducted from March 9 to 14, with the goal of achieving international classification according to INSARAG standards.
This assessment focuses on capacity building, which is a core principle of both INSARAG and EMERCOM. As a member of the INSARAG network, EMERCOM committed to providing its technical expertise to support this initiative. According to a press release from the UN on March 19, this collaboration highlights the importance of enhancing local capacities for disaster response.
Details of the Assessment Mission
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 the IRCS
- The Training Center of the Tehran Fire Department
This mission was initiated following a request from Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and was facilitated by the Tehran Disaster Mitigation and Management Organization on behalf of the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO).
Roadmap for Future Steps
The assessment mission successfully established a roadmap for the remaining steps necessary to complete the classification process for Iranian crisis management teams. This process is crucial for ensuring that Iran can effectively participate in international search and rescue operations, thereby enhancing the nation’s capacity to respond to natural disasters.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Iran, INSARAG, and EMERCOM signifies a significant step forward in improving disaster response capabilities. By focusing on training and assessment, these organizations aim to strengthen international cooperation in humanitarian efforts, ultimately saving lives and mitigating the impacts of disasters.
