Professional Documents
Culture Documents
INSARAG20 Guidelines 20 Vol 20 III
INSARAG20 Guidelines 20 Vol 20 III
Contents
Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................................. 4
1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2 Checklists ............................................................................................................................................ 7
3 Management ........................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 Mobilisation ................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Operations ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.3 Demobilisation ............................................................................................................................. 15
3.4 Post-Mission ................................................................................................................................ 16
4 Search ................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.1 Mobilisation ................................................................................................................................. 17
4.2 Operations ................................................................................................................................... 18
4.3 Demobilisation ............................................................................................................................. 20
4.4 Post-Mission ................................................................................................................................ 20
5 Rescue ................................................................................................................................................ 21
5.1 Mobilisation ................................................................................................................................. 21
5.2 Operations ................................................................................................................................... 22
5.3 Demobilisation ............................................................................................................................. 23
5.4 Post-Mission ................................................................................................................................ 23
6 Medical ............................................................................................................................................... 24
6.1 Mobilisation ................................................................................................................................. 24
6.2 Operations ................................................................................................................................... 26
6.3 Demobilisation ............................................................................................................................. 29
6.4 Post-Mission ................................................................................................................................ 30
7 Logistics............................................................................................................................................. 31
7.1 Mobilisation ................................................................................................................................. 31
7.2 Operations ................................................................................................................................... 33
7.3 Demobilisation ............................................................................................................................. 35
7.4 Post-Mission ................................................................................................................................ 36
8 Safety and security ........................................................................................................................... 37
8.1 Mobilisation ................................................................................................................................. 37
8.2 Operations ................................................................................................................................... 39
8.3 Demobilisation ............................................................................................................................. 40
8.4 Post-Mission ................................................................................................................................ 40
Note: Selected annexes, checklists and forms from the INSARAG Guidelines (2015) have been moved to
the Guidance Notes section of www.insarag.org. For more information on the changes from the 2015
Guidelines, refer to the Table of Changes under Annex A. For the Annexes specific location on
www.insarag.org, refer to page 49.
Abbreviations
AAR After Action Report
AoO Area of Operation
ASR Assessment, Search and Rescue Level
BMS BoO Medical Station
BoO Base of Operation
Con. Construction
CP Command Post
Dy. Deputy
DVI Disaster Victim Identification
GIS Geographic Information System
GPS Global Position System
Hazmat Hazardous material
IATA International Air Transport Association
ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization
ICT Information and Communication Technology
IMT Incident Management Team
IOD Injury on Duty
INSARAG International Search and Rescue Advisory Group
LEMA Local Emergency Management Authority
LO Liaison Officer
MAP Medical Action Plan
MEDEVAC Medical Evacuation
MIL Medical Incident Log
OCHA United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OSOCC On-Site Operations Coordination Centre
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
RC/HC Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator
RCM Rapid Clearance Marking System
RDC Reception/Departure Centre
SAR Search and Rescue
SLS Security Level System
TL Team Leader
UCC USAR Coordination Cell
UNDAC United Nation Disaster Assessment and Coordination
UNDSS United Nation Department of Safety and Security
UNJLC United Nation Joint Logistics Centre
USAR Urban Search and Rescue
1 Introduction
The INSARAG Guidelines, Volume III: Field Operational Guide targets all USAR managers and team
members and is designed to be a quick-reference guide that assists with field and tactical information for
all missions, exercises and training sessions.
This Field Handbook follows the five components of USAR capability: Management, Search, Rescue,
Medical and Logistics. It also includes a section on Safety and Security.
The annexes of Vol III include the INSARAG Marking System and check-sheets for the establishment of a
Reception Departure Centre (RDC) and a USAR Coordination Cell. They can be found in the “Guidelines
Annex” sub-section of the “Guidance Notes” in www.insarag.org.
Further information can be found in the UCC Manual, and the Virtual OSOCC online learning module.
The pocket-sized handbook is designed to allow individual USAR Teams to add other reference material
relevant and specific to their team to assist in rescue operations.
Preparedness
Post-Mission Mobilisation
Demobilisation Operations
2 Checklists
The following checklists provide guidance for teams on methodologies to effectively manage the five
elements of a USAR deployment. The examples detailed in the volume are not exhaustive nor are they
prescriptive. They serve to assist teams with the set up and efficient running of a large-scale event. They
serve also to provide collective examples that will assist teams to better interoperate in multi-agency
environments.
Teams should fully assess their specific configuration and individual team requirements when preparing
for, a responding to, emergencies as a USAR Team.
3 Management
3.1 Mobilisation
Do you have approval to go? Gather as much current information as possible on the Annex B3, B4
affected country and the actual situation to aid in the
decision-making process.
Do an internet information If intending to mobilise and or deploy make an entry Annex B1, B4, B7
search of open source material, on the VOSOCC detailing the USAR Team’s travel
check the VOSOCC for further details including its special needs upon arrival in the
information. Upload team data. affected country.
Is your team ready for Conduct an initial planning session to determine the Annex B1, B3, B4, B7
deployment/availability? team’s readiness to deploy.
Brief the team members on the Provide a written and verbal briefing to all deploying Annex B3
current situation. personnel.
Is there a contact in affected Determine the Country focal point for incoming Annex B3
country? assistance. This may be the embassy or National
Emergency Management Agency.
Brief team on plan of action and Provide a written and verbal briefing to all deploying Annex B3
cultural awareness. personnel.
Check for any changes to Develop contingency plans to allow for changes to Annex B3, B4
assignment before departure. cache, personnel and equipment based on available
information about the situation (i.e. staffing, specialist
components, special hazards, transportation, etc.)
Check on media arrangements Assume that the local agencies will manage all media Annex B3
for the mission. and do not release any information without the
express permission of the LEMA.
Ensure accountability systems Seek a security briefing from the LEMA and/or the
for all personnel. local law enforcement agencies.
Update the national focal point Ensure a constant flow of information and intelligence
of the teams’ status. to and from the LEMA.
Establish the RDC and UCC. If the team is the first into the affected country, they
are to establish an RDC at the infill point and a UCC
at a strategic position relative to the impact site.
Prepare all documents for RDC Provide trained and qualified personnel to establish Annex B5, B6, B9,
and UCC. and sustain the coordination function within the RDC B10, B11
and UCC, if required.
Do you have appropriate forms Ensure a cache of paper and electronic versions of all
for assessment? forms are available.
Record of immunisation.
Prepare for meeting with the Representatives of the IMT are to provide the UCC Annex B11, B12
UCC. with their needs and their capabilities.
Meet with the UCC to discuss Representatives of the IMT are to provide the UCC Annex B15, B17, B18
BoO site, suppliers, other teams, with their needs.
local suppliers, INSARAG,
Provide paper copies of all requests.
safety and security and
reporting.
Liaise with point of contact back Establish two-way communication links with home
in the home country. agencies and provide regular sitreps.
Prepare media statements. Develop an overarching media plan that details the Annex B2
requirements for social media posting for both the
team and team members.
3.2 Operations
Ensure the team follows the To avoid creating confusion it is vital that only Annex B3
affected country policies, which activities sanctioned by the UCC or LEMA are
includes the USAR Team undertaken by the teams.
Leader working with the UCC
and only within the requirements
of the LEMA.
Ensure the IMT enters the Teams must register with the RDC on arrival in the Annex B5, B6, B8
affected area country via RDC affected country.
and receives a briefing and
The RDC will provide information on transport and
information on the current BOO locations as well as other situational and cultural
situation. considerations. .
Ensure the IMT attends a Prior to commencement of any operations the Team Annex B9, B10,
briefing at the UCC to receive IMT is to request a meeting with UCC staff to receive B11
information on the current first taskings.
situation and to receive their first
Note no operations are to commence other than the
taskings. establishment of a BOO without UCC approval or
request.
Points of contact.
Team assignments
Communications plan.
Translators.
GPS Datum.
Brief the UCC on the team Provide a copy of Team Fact sheet in either electronic Annex B4
capabilities using the USAR or paper copy.
Team Fact Sheet.
Provide additional information as needed.
Identification of outcomes.
Brief all teams on the operation, IMT to conduct regular whole of team briefings. Annex B12, B17,
including safety. B24, B25
Report information on the It will usually be the role of the LEMA to update the Annex B25
VOSOCC and update it. VOSOCC. Do not publish information on the
VOSOCC without prior approval from the LEMA.
Build a rotating system (shift Medium and Heavy Teams are to ensure 24-hour
system). operations.
Prepare a plan for media and Request the UCC to provide information on the Annex B2
execute. requirements of the LEMA for interacting with the
media.
Assess the potential BoO sites The UCC may task a USAR Team to identify potential Annex B14, B15,
identified by the UCC. BoO locations for arriving international USAR Teams. B16
Maintain a detailed operations The log can be maintained electronically or via manual Annex B25
log listing the chronological entry and should include:
order of events and activities
Number of rescues and body recoveries.
during the mission for each
worksite; a site-specific report Other activities undertaken.
should be completed.
Details of potential worksites.
3.3 Demobilisation
Disestablishment of BoO.
Ensure exit from the Area of The RDC will be established and operating to ensure
Operation (AAO) is conducted that all outgoing teams are correctly processed.
via the RDC at the designated Teams are to ensure that they liaise with the RDC
exit point. prior to final demobilisation and transport from the
AAO.
Develop pre-determined In the event of a sudden change in conditions it may Annex B18
procedures in the event of be necessary to evacuate the BOO or worksite. It is
situation that requires immediate vital that all personnel are aware of the signal
evacuation of the BOO, or indicating the need for an evacuation and the
immediate actions to take.
Worksite to a safe location.
Unplanned demobilisation of the Circumstances at the AAO may change such that Annex B18
team. continued operations are no possible. If a team needs
to withdraw from the AAO and time permits, follow the
procedures for a standard demobilisation. If
circumstances require a rapid removal of the team,
notify the UCC and move all personnel to a safe
environment as quickly and as safely as possible.
3.4 Post-Mission
Ensure injury follow-ups as well Ensure a post mission mental wellness check is
as short and long-term stress offered to all personnel.
management issues are
addressed.
Ensure post-mission report is The INSARAG Secretariat requests that a copy of the Annex B29, B30
completed. USAR Team Post-Mission Report is received in a
timely manner; preferably within 45 days of the teams
The post mission report is to return.
include a lesson learnt section.
4 Search
4.1 Mobilisation
Canine Search
Ensure appropriate caging Use fit for purpose cages only. Makeshift enclosures
and/or containment for canines may cause injury to the animals.
is available.
Check on cultural issues Seek a briefing from the TL prior to departure. Annex B3
regarding canines.
Consider transport option for Use fit for purpose cages only. Makeshift enclosures
canines, e.g. cages. may cause injury to the animals.
Consider relief stations for Canines need regular breaks to work effectively in the
canine. field.
Check canine health risk of Constantly monitor weather conditions and do not use
affected country, e.g. extreme the canines in extreme heat or cold.
weather.
Check on emergency Seek a briefing from the TL prior to departure. Annex B17, B18
evacuation plan for canines.
4.2 Operations
Determine search strategy and Determine whether the search will be conducted using
reconnaissance. personnel or listening equipment or other methods
such as thermal imaging cameras or drones. The
search methodology may impact other activities and
needs to be clearly communicated to the IMT.
Liaise with local authorities Those on the scene and familiar with the area will be
regarding additional victim the best source of information. Consider conducting
information from locals and first quick interviews before evacuating people from the
responders. scene.
Liaise with local authorities Local councils and city officials will often have detailed
regarding advice on building plans of buildings.
structure.
Can verbal or visual contact be A surface line and hail search should be the first step
made with victims? in establishing the location of trapped victims.
Liaise with local authorities to Many agencies will have detailed plans to respond to
determine tactics. major emergencies. USAR Teams need to ensure
their activities are coordinated with local
arrangements.
Ensure communications with all All activities of the team need to be coordinated by the
other team functions. IMT. Teams should follow their instructions and not
deviate without approval from the IMT.
Are personnel familiar with the Aftershocks and other conditions may cause further
evacuation signalling system? movement and collapse of structures. Teams need to
be ready to evacuate immediately the need arises.
Ensure appropriate Personal Your PPE is the last line of defence against injury. It
Protective Equipment (PPE). should never be comprised.
Ensure re-commissioning of all Ensure that equipment is ready for the next
equipment and return to assignment as soon as practical. Liaise with the
logistics. logistics function to replace consumable items as
soon as they are used.
Canine Search
Ensure rest time for canine and Canines require regular rest breaks to work
rotation of personnel (shift effectively. Over working the canine will reduce their
system). effectiveness.
Apply canine, acoustic and The removal of material that may mask scents or
optical senses when necessary block vision may assist the canine’s effectiveness.
in an integrated way.
Search leader should consider: The physical readiness of searchers through proper
nutrition, water intake, rest and stress control
techniques.
4.3 Demobilisation
Canine Search
Ensure that appropriate caging Use fit for purpose cages only. Makeshift enclosures
and/or containment for canines may cause injury to the animals, especially during
is available. transport.
Ensure the readiness of the Conduct a full examination of the canine and provide
canines (health, fitness, for food and water for the journey. If possible,
hygiene, diet, etc.) for travel, transport all the canines together.
including all specialised gear
and equipment.
Ensure that the canines have an Failure to allow this may result in injury the animal.
opportunity to relieve
themselves immediately prior to
departure.
4.4 Post-Mission
The Search Leader prepares Each element of the task force is required to provide Annex B24
and delivers a report on the a daily report to the IMT. This report assists with the
mission to their USAR Team. daily sitrep provided to the OSOCC and LEMA.
5 Rescue
5.1 Mobilisation
Is cache appropriate for affected Seek a pre-deployment briefing from the IMT to Annex B3
country? ensure all equipment is appropriate for the conditions
e.g. extreme cold conditions.
Check on emergency An evacuation plan needs to be included within the Annex B18
evacuation plan. risk assessment.
Check on rescue tactics with Advice from qualified engineers should be sought
structural engineers. prior to operations in, or in close vicinity of, damaged
buildings.
Liaise with hazmat and security Check for hazardous conditions including leaking Annex B21
over tactics/issues. pipes, sewers etc. Ensure the area is secured by local
authorities prior to starting operations.
Coordinate with rescue, Local rescue units may be in your location. Always
logistics, and medical elements. liaise to ensure your proposed activities are consistent
with the overall strategy.
5.2 Operations
Follow the affected country’s Ensure that all operations are consistent with the Annex B3
policies and procedures strategic intent of the incident controller in your area
regarding incident operations. of operation.
Develop a safety and security Conduct a risk assessment and ensure all team Annex B17
plan and brief the team. members are aware of the risks and preventative
actions
Apply INSARAG Marking Only use the INSARAG system so that following Annex B26
System. teams are familiar with the markings.
Liaise with Logistics for Ensure that you have large enough vehicles to carry
transport/check on fuel. the required equipment. Don’t have personnel carry
heavy equipment long distances.
Liaise with medical for possible Set up a triage point in consultation with medical
treatment and determine personnel.
handover point.
Check on-site safety during Refer to the Risk Assessment prior to all activities.
tunnelling, shoring, stabilising
medical treatment, victim
extrication, O2 dust.
Ensure evacuation point. It is good practice to clearly mark the evacuation point. Annex B18
Signage or flags may assist.
Are personnel familiar with the Three longs horn blasts should signal an evacuation. Annex B26
evacuation signalling system?
Ensure appropriate handover to Provide a written and verbal handover to the Annex B25
other shift or other emergency oncoming team.
services.
Manage reporting system both Provide a written report of all activities to the IMT.
internal and external. Include such information as number of victims found
or released. Status, i.e. live or deceased. Any injuries
to personnel and any problems encountered.
Ensure re-commissioning of all Work with the logistics team to have the equipment
equipment and return to made operationally ready for the next assignment as
logistics. soon as practicable.
Ensure effective accountability Accountability systems will form part of the risk
system for all personnel. assessment process.
Consider decontamination. All personnel should wash their hands prior to leaving
the work site and should shower prior to entering the
BoO. Clear clean and dirty areas should be
established.
Ensure debrief on return to BoO. Crews should be involved in a hot debrief prior to Annex B24
being dismissed.
5.3 Demobilisation
Brief the UCC on structural Provide a comprehensive report on all operations and Annex B11
stability concerns and make the condition of the premises on extraction.
recommendations regarding
further operations.
5.4 Post-Mission
The Rescue group prepares and A rescue specific report should be completed as soon Annex B24, B30
delivers a report on the mission as practical. This report should detail all operations
to their USAR Team. and make recommendations for improvements.
Full team debrief should occur. All personnel should be involved in the debrief
process and be encouraged to provide feedback.
6 Medical
6.1 Mobilisation
Inoculation record.
Evaluate the medical check Report any personnel to the TL who do not meet the
report and liaise with medical requirements for deployment.
management if required.
Conduct remote information Any prevailing endemic medical situations (e.g. Annex B3, B17,
gathering to include: prevalence of HIV/AIDS, rabies, etc.) B18
Review USAR Team policy for Injuries should be treated by the Team medical staff
dealing with Injury on Duty (IOD) in the first instance with assistance from local medical
or death of a USAR Team resources as required.
member during deployment.
An injury resulting in a death of a USAR Team
member will need to be managed collaboratively with
local authorities as determined.
Supervise the accountability and All drugs need to be secured within the BoO area.
security of the controlled drugs. Only authorised medical personnel should access any
drugs during the deployment.
Coordinate with the designated Medical staff should prepare for known risks including
personnel responsible for hazardous material events.
hazmat and safety on known
incident hazards.
Establish a plan of action for This plan should be incorporated into the overall
medical. operations plan and updated continuously throughout
the mission. Including:
Resource limitations.
Re-supply constraints.
Is there a medical contact in Establish contact with local medical focal point in
affected country and emergency affected country.
contact in home country?
6.2 Operations
Prepare medical facilities at Undertake daily maintenance of the BoO Medical Annex B14, B15
BoO. Station (BMS) to ensure it is clean, tidy and functional.
Ensure contact with other Liaise with local health agencies within the affected
medical services is available in area.
affected area, plus own country.
Maintain contacts with home country
Check medical evacuation plan Conduct a risk assessment and establish procedures
for possible emergency for all considered situations.
situation.
Ensure hygiene standards are Work with logistics staff to set up base hygiene
maintained both at base and procedures.
worksites.
Maintain health checks and Paramedics should be assigned to the rescue teams
monitor personnel and canines and constantly monitoring the health of the team
continually. members.
Check on casualty handover Medical staff needs to be aware of local procedures Annex B27
procedures. for the acceptance of patients into the local system.
Participate in daily USAR Team A representative from the medical teams should be
briefings and conduct the daily part of the IMT and be involved in all briefings.
medical briefing.
Hydration status.
Nutrition status.
Coordinate with the personnel The potential for hazardous materials contamination Annex B21
responsible for hazmat and or other exposures (and documentation of potential
safety issues regarding. exposures per home team protocol).
Monitor any USAR Team Team members admitted to local health facilities will
members hospitalised at local require daily monitoring until release.
healthcare facilities as required.
Facilitate the adherence to safe Food storage and preparation. Annex B14
BoO health and hygiene
practices. Water.
Sanitation.
6.3 Demobilisation
Coordinate demobilisation with Ensure demobilisation does not negatively impact on Annex B1, B29
the local relevant health the health of any injured team member.
authorities (e.g. through UCC or
LEMA).
Coordinate the repatriation of If the team member cannot be repatriated with the rest
any USAR Team members of the team, other team members should be assigned
hospitalised whilst on to accompany them until they can be repatriated.
deployment.
Prior to departure from the Consider the use of trained psychologists or doctors
affected country, consider to conduct the checks.
conducting a health and welfare
check.
Ensure accountability and Provide confirmation in writing to the TL that all drugs
security of the controlled drugs are properly secured for transport.
with the LO.
6.4 Post-Mission
Ensure immediate medical Consider both physical and psychological checks be Annex B30
follow-up of all staff on return to conducted.
home country.
Complete medical contribution The medical Team Leader should conduct a debrief
to the AAR as required by USAR and consolidate all information for the AAR.
Team policy.
7 Logistics
7.1 Mobilisation
Ensure having sufficient logistics Sufficient food and water. Annex B14, B15,
support, equipment and staff to B16
set up and maintain a BoO for Equipment storage and maintenance facilities.
the duration of the mission, Sanitation and hygiene facilities for the team for the
including: duration of the mission.
Communications equipment.
Transportation.
Check on availability of
transportation in affected
country.
Check on communications in
team and affected country and
prepare a communications plan.
Ensures updates on security Develop a Safety and Security Plan. Annex B17, B18
level and situation on arrival.
Compile transport
documentation. Identify aspects
that may require additional or
supplementary logistical
support, e.g. climatic conditions.
7.2 Operations
Consider the following when Locations provided by the LEMA/OSOCC/UCC. Annex B14, B15,
selecting a BoO site: B16, B17, B18
Suitably sized areas (minimum size 50 x 40 m).
Select and set up the site based Equipment stock and maintenance area. Annex B14, B15,
on mission priorities and B16
available resources to include: Medical treatment area.
Management area.
Communications centre.
Vehicle parking.
Briefing area.
7.3 Demobilisation
Consider donation/gifting to
affected country.
7.4 Post-Mission
8.1 Mobilisation
Ensure all personnel are mission Have appropriate documentation (i.e. passport, visa, UN BSAFE
ready to deploy to the event. Certificate of Vaccination, emergency contacts for course.
Considerations for mission next-of-kin).
ready status are:
Have appropriate PPE for the incident environment.
Equipment and supplies. Safety practices are incorporated into the packaging,
labelling, storing, and movement of personnel and
equipment.
Level 2 — Low.
Level 3 — Moderate.
Level 4 — Substantial.
Level 5 — High.
Level 6 — Extreme.
Identify the general and Identify the environmental conditions at the disaster Annex B21, B3
disaster-specific safety issues area. Before departure, identify and brief the team on and B17
the hazards associated with modes of transport that
and include in the initial team will be used to travel to the affected country and those
briefing. most likely to be encountered for transport within the
affected country.
.
Receive briefing from the RDC Type and condition of transport equipment.
and or OSOCC/UCC on safety
and security aspects including: Local driving customs.
Movement of equipment.
8.2 Operations
Liaise with OSOCC/UCC on Note that the safety and security conditions can
safety and security issues. change rapidly. Ensure constant communications with
local authorities.
BoO sites and travel routes. Continually conduct a risk/hazard analysis of the BoO,
travel routes and assigned work area and take
appropriate mitigation action.
BoO perimeter control. Establish BoO and worksite perimeter control Annex B14, B15,
procedures using physical barriers or other measures B16, B17
to delineate the BoO site.
Daily briefings. Ensure safety and security considerations are Annex B17, B18
included in the plan of action and briefings.
Evacuation procedures. Ensure a warning system and evacuation plan is Annex B18, B26
established, briefed and exercised.
Ensure that all team personnel Each member should carry radio or other means of
have reliable means of communication always when outside of the BoO.
communications.
8.3 Demobilisation
8.4 Post-Mission
On the return to the home base, the Safety and security concerns Annex B29, B30
following safety and security issues are incorporated into the Post-
should be considered. Mission Report. It is imperative
that the safety findings and
lessons learned are highlighted
and incorporated into future
training sessions, field exercises
and operational guidelines.
If a site is deemed contaminated teams should assess whether they have the means to safety work in this
environment. Teams should not commit to a contaminated site without conducting a thorough assessment
of their hazmat capability for short or longer-term operations. If it is deemed appropriate that a team can
work in a contaminated environment the following should be considered:
Decontamination can be both equipment and labour intensive; therefore, consideration should be given to
avoiding overextending the teams’ capability in this area.
A risk analysis should be conducted based upon hazard/risk assessment and the site survey
Teams should evaluate the risk in relation to the rescue of viable victims versus recovery of the
dead
Teams should also consider other search and rescue priorities within the immediate vicinity
While undertaking search and rescue operations at any worksite teams should consider the following issues
and implement a monitoring regime for the duration of the operations:
Oxygen levels.
Flammability of substance or surrounding atmosphere.
Toxicity levels.
Explosive limits.
Radiological emissions and monitoring.
Condition of voids – if the hazard can be easily isolated or mitigated and this is carried out, the
situation is considered rendered safe and operations are to continue.
Time required to access victims – this will be an estimate of the time required to get to the first
victim. It should include the time it would take to mitigate hazards, cut through floors, walls, roofs,
etc., and to shore and brace the access route as well as relevant adjacent structures if required.
Special occupancy information – increased attention and monitoring will be given to certain types
of target hazards, especially those involving nuclear energy, radiological elements, specialised
military facilities, chemical manufacture, and biological production or storage.
Decontamination – careful planning is needed to ensure the team has procedures in place that
provides adequate decontamination of members including search dogs.
Go or No-go conditions – and subsequent risk assessments:
o Time required to complete the assignment.
o Protection and limitations of available personal protective equipment.
o Results of the risk-benefit analysis.
o Resource status.
o Security and safety considerations.
Note: USAR Teams deployed with Hazmat capabilities can assist to identify potential chemical hazards
following disasters such as toxic spills. They would mark off the danger zone to warn others and immediately
report this threat to the UCC, who, in turn, would coordinate with the LEMA.
Annexes
3 All content within the volume have been updated and enhanced in detail to provide additional
guidance to USAR teams.
5 Annexes
Introduction of “Tables of Changes to the INSARAG Guidelines from 2015 to 2020” as the
new Annex A to capture the updates made from the 2015 Guidelines.
From the 2015 Guidelines, the following annexes have been moved to the Guidelines
Annex Volume 3 tabs of the Guidance Notes on www.insarag.org:
o Annex A: Ethical Considerations for USAR Teams
o Annex B: Media Management Checklist
o Annex C: Country Information – Affected Area Information Template
o Annex D: USAR Team Fact Sheet Template”
o Annex E: RDC Establishment Checklist
o Annex F: RDC Briefing Hand-out
o Annex G: Security Briefings
o Annex H: Airfield Assessment
o Annex I: OSOCC/UCC Planning Form and USAR Planning Tool
o Annex J: USAR Coordination Cell Establishment
o Annex K: OSOCC/UCC - LEMA Initial Briefing
o Annex L: Standard Meeting Agenda
o Annex M: Assignment Briefing Package
o Annex N: Base of Operations Requirements
o Annex O: Base of Operations Layout
o Annex P: Management Tent Layout
o Annex Q: Safety and Security Plan, Checklist SSO
o Annex R: Evacuation Plans
o Annex S: Wide Area and Sector Assessment – Proposed Sector Assessment
Layout
o Annex T: Assessment, Search and Rescue Level
o Annex U: Hazmat Evaluation Guide
o Annex V: Worksite Triage and Structural Evaluation
o Annex W: Worksite Triage Form
o Annex X: Worksite Report Form
o Annex Y: Incident/Sector Situation Report
o Annex Z: USAR Team Marking System and Signalling
o Annex B27: Victim Extrication Form
o Annex B1: Ethical Considerations for USAR Teams
o Annex B29: Mission Summary Form
o Annex B30: USAR Team Post Mission Report Form
NOTE: These documents are meant to serve as a reference material, for the latest and amendable version
of documents meant to serve as forms (e.g. USAR Team Fact Sheet form), readers are recommended to
refer to Guidance Notes Forms on www.insarag.org.