The World Health Organisation (WHO) certified the medical team of the Duisburg-based aid organisation I.S.A.R. Germany for international missions at the weekend in Hünxe. Together with its partner, the BRH Bundesverband Rettungshunde, the organisation will in future provide a so-called Emergency Medical Team (EMT) Type 1.
This means that patients are treated in a field-based emergency department with several medical specialities. The team therefore includes internists, surgeons, paediatricians, general practitioners, emergency paramedics, midwives and physiotherapists. By certifying the medical teams, the World Health Organisation aims to ensure uniform medical standards in the care of patients in crisis areas (e.g. after natural disasters).
The auditors spent two days assessing I.S.A.R Germany's equipment, level of training and workflows. WHO expert Dr Kai von Harbou explained afterwards that I.S.A.R. Germany is one of the most important non-governmental organisations in Germany. With the successful certification, the aid organisation is now also an „important capacity“ for the World Health Organisation „for operations in crisis areas worldwide“. Von Harbou described I.S.A.R. Germany's „particular strength“ as the combination of the areas of Search and Rescue (SAR) and medicine, as well as the special capabilities of the NGO in the area of logistics. This shows that I.S.A.R. already has a great deal of operational experience.
I.S.A.R. President Dr Daniela Lesmeister and Medical Director Dr Frederic Ruckert explained that the certification by the WHO was „proof of the efficiency of the organisation's medical team“. Over the past few years, the team had prepared intensively and invested countless hours of voluntary work. The aim is to be able to help people in need around the world quickly and easily.
The aid organisation I.S.A.R. Germany was founded in 2003. It specialises in the search and rescue of trapped people after earthquake disasters. In 2007, 2012 and 2017, I.S.A.R. was certified in this area by the UN organisation INSARAG for worldwide operations. We have also been working closely with the BRH Federal Association of Rescue Dogs for several years. This enables even more comprehensive assistance in disaster operations. The medical component has since been expanded based on the experience gained in several missions. It can now be deployed independently of the SAR team after natural disasters and in humanitarian emergencies all over the world.