Eleven people rescued in two days - this is the impressive result we look back on when we talk about the large-scale Insarag exercise in Switzerland. At the invitation of the Swiss military and the Swiss rescue chain I.S.A.R. Germany practised rescuing people after an earthquake from 21 to 24 May in the training village of Epeisses, not far from the city of Geneva.
Major earthquake as an exercise scenario
The exercise scenario was based on a severe earthquake in the fictitious Republic of Jureneva, in which numerous people were injured or killed. Together with the teams from @firethe Austrian Workers' Samaritan Federationthe state SAR team from Jordan and the Swiss Rescue our emergency services practised searching for people in rubble and then rescuing them from it.
During the exercise, various aspects of the internationally recognised Insarag guidelines played out. In addition to setting up and supplying our Base of Operations (BoO), the establishment and management of international coordination centres, such as an RDC (Reception and Departure Centre) or a UCCa local situation centre.
Rescue dogs in action
The use of rescue dogs was also a key part of the rescue exercise. Our specially trained animals are able to track down buried people who are not visible or audible to humans without technical aids. The dogs systematically searched the debris fields and signalled the presence of survivors by barking or scratching. The precision and speed with which the dogs work are invaluable for rescue teams. During the exercise, several training scenarios were played out in which the dogs demonstrated their skills and assisted their human partners in locating and rescuing buried victims.
Another key aspect of the large-scale Insarag exercise was logistical planning and implementation. Logistical support for disaster operations includes transporting personnel and equipment, setting up and operating base camps and ensuring that the emergency services are supplied on site. The exercise in Switzerland provided the opportunity to master these complex logistical challenges. The transport of heavy equipment, the establishment of communication infrastructures and the coordination of catering and medical supplies were just some of the logistical tasks that had to be mastered. The efficiency and effectiveness of logistical processes play a key role in the success of a rescue operation.
International guidelines as a basis for use
The exercise was based on the standards and guidelines of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (Insarag)an organisation founded in 1991 to promote international cooperation in search and rescue operations following earthquakes. Insarag is made up of various stakeholders, including governmental organisations, non-governmental organisations and other humanitarian actors. Insarag's guidelines define how rescue teams around the world should work together to respond quickly and efficiently to disasters. During the exercise in Switzerland, the Insarag guidelines were intensively applied and tested to ensure that the international rescue teams can work together seamlessly. This includes the standardisation of operational protocols, communication channels and coordination mechanisms to save lives and provide humanitarian aid effectively in an emergency.
