I.S.A.R. Germany is INSARAG certified

In 2007, I.S.A.R. Germany was the first rescue team in the world to be tested and certified as a "medium team" by the United Nations (INSARAG). I.S.A.R. Germany was able to prove that it fulfils all the requirements to professionally carry out search and rescue operations at a disaster site for at least 10 days and to survive self-sufficiently during this period. This makes I.S.A.R. Germany the only aid organisation in Germany currently certified by INSARAG as a "medium team". This guarantees quality-assured international disaster relief at the highest level under the umbrella of the United Nations (UN).

Why is INSARAG certification important?

The trigger for the founding of INSARAG (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group - International Coordination Group for Search and Rescue Teams) was the severe earthquake in Armenia in 1988. A large number of international USAR teams (Urban Search and Rescue in densely populated areas) offered their help, but the coordination of the many teams was very difficult. For this reason, the founding members of today's D-A-CH (Germany - Austria - Switzerland) working group initiated the establishment of a platform for the coordination of such disaster situations in 1991.

In the years that followed, an initial set of rules was developed that defined standards and procedures for internationally active USAR teams. The founding fathers were driven by the idea that effective aid can only be provided by many aid organisations in a well-coordinated manner and in compliance with fixed rules.

In 2002, INSARAG was then recognised by the UN General Assembly through Resolution 57/150 and assigned to the UN department OCHA (Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs).

Today, all INSARAG-certified aid organisations work hand in hand on international missions under the umbrella of the United Nations (UN).

INSARAG units ensure that they

• are standardised in terms of equipment, team structure and tactical approach.
• support the coordination measures of a country affected by an earthquake in accordance with defined rules.
• undergo continuous training and further education.
• contribute to the ongoing development of standards.

Over 90 civil protection organisations worldwide are already members of INSARAG.

Recertification ensures high standards are maintained

Every 5 years, a certified unit must undergo recertification by INSARAG. Under the eyes of international observers, both the administrative and practical alignment with the specified standards is reviewed. The highlight of the review is a 72-hour operational exercise under realistic conditions.