17 April 2025

I.S.A.R. supports Polish team with INSARAG recertification in Gdańsk

One of the most important civil protection exercises of the year is currently taking place in Gdańsk: The INSARAG recertification of the Polish Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team. During this intensive, large-scale exercise lasting several days, the team's operational capability is tested in accordance with the strict international guidelines of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

The goal: to be reclassified as a "Heavy USAR Team" - a prerequisite for the Polish team to continue to be deployed worldwide in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes.

The Polish USAR team

Poland has an experienced and highly professional USAR team that regularly takes part in international relief operations. The team is subordinate to the State Fire Service (Państwowa Straż Pożarna) and was first classified as a "Heavy Team" by INSARAG in 2015. Since then, it has been deployed in Nepal (2015), Albania (2019) and most recently in the earthquake zone in Turkey (2023). With modern equipment, a strong logistical component and a high standard of training, it is one of the most capable units in Europe.

ISAR Germany - An active part of international cooperation
As a long-standing member of the international INSARAG family, ISAR Germany is an active supporter of this important exercise in Gdańsk. Three experienced members of our Field Office team are on site.
Our tasks in detail:
  • Exercise Control (EXCON): We support the exercise management in the planning, control and evaluation of operational situations. EXCON is the "heart" of the exercise, where all the threads come together.
  • Information, Coordination and Management System (ICMS): ISAR Germany operates and maintains the centralised digital system for situation management and coordination. It is a key tool for recording information in a structured manner and making it shareable internationally.
  • Reception/Departure Centre (RDC): An ISAR team member took over the RDC for four hours - a central interface through which all teams are registered and coordinated on arrival and departure.
  • USAR Coordination Cell (UCC): We support the multinational coordination cell that keeps track of the various international rescue teams on site and coordinates operations.

Why these exercises are crucial

Real operations show time and time again that only those who train regularly can help quickly, safely and effectively in an emergency. The INSARAG classification is more than just a certificate - it is a guarantee of reliable assistance under extreme conditions.