A few weeks ago, things got really exciting in Liverpool: the UK International Search & Rescue Team (UK ISAR) organised a special international course on a topic that saves lives in disaster relief operations - timber shoring.
For five days, experienced rescue workers from various countries trained at the National Resilience Centre of Excellence. Gerd and Levi from ISAR Germany were also there: Gerd Federer and Levi Martin. Both contributed their extensive experience from international missions and actively participated in the professional exchange with colleagues from all over the world.
What actually happens on a course like this?
You don't have to imagine the whole thing as a dry lesson. On the contrary: they practised on realistic rubble scenarios, such as those that occur after earthquakes, explosions or serious building damage. Unstable walls, collapsed ceilings and heavy loads everywhere - situations in which every move has to be perfect.
The participants learnt how to safely stabilise such buildings before people can be rescued from the rubble. Without this stabilisation, any movement could trigger further collapses - an enormous danger for victims and emergency services.
Shoring - simply explained
Shoring simply means supporting and securing. If a building is damaged and is in danger of collapsing, rescue workers install targeted supports to hold up walls and ceilings. Timber shoring involves the use of wood. Beams, boards and wedges are assembled in such a way that they can absorb and transfer loads. Timber has decisive advantages: It is stable, readily available and can be quickly adapted. In addition, it often gives early warning of overloading through cracking or visible deformation - an important safety factor in use.
Why such courses are so important
The advanced course was aimed at professionals who already had a lot of experience. The focus was on complex damage situations, difficult decisions under time pressure and working in a team.
The international exchange was particularly valuable. Different operational experiences came together - and this is precisely what global disaster relief benefits from. The fact that Gerd Federer and Levi Martin from ISAR Germany were there emphasised the importance of this collaboration. Because when a building collapses somewhere in the world, one thing counts above all: being prepared together - sometimes with nothing more than wood, knowledge and teamwork.
