Cases of disasters in developing countries more so from collapsed building has become a major killer and has become so common that whenever such an incident occurs, the common comment is a sigh accompanied by words like ‘Not Again’ a sign of desperation. Many lives and property have been lost however the situation could have been different if the first responders were equipped with knowledge, skills and basic equipment. Time is always of essence during search and rescue operation.
Success of urban search and rescue depends on effectiveness of First Responders who are a very effective means of getting help to people in areas where no organized rescue structure exists, as well as areas where any rescue response may be delayed. This is primarily based upon the recognition that rescue of more than 50% of all survivors following a disaster of this type is undertaken by local resources.
USAR awareness training is a training designed to empower first responders with requisite skills to effectively conduct initial urban search and rescue in accordance with NFPA 1410 and 1670 standards on training for initial emergency scene operation and standards for operation and training of technical search and rescue incidents. The training also take into account guidelines from International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)
