Canadian Urban Search and Rescue Team Standard
July 2025

Disclaimer

This Team Standard represents the requirements to officially be considered a light, medium or heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team in Canada. It was co-developed by acknowledged Canadian USAR experts and the National Search and Rescue Secretariat of Public Safety Canada. It is envisioned that this Team Standard will provide a spectrum of value from developmental guidance to official standards documentation. Achievement of this standard does not constitute membership in the Public Safety-led Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) Program, nor should it be considered a path to such.

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Canada is made up of provinces and territories and is the second largest country in the world in area. Canada is sparsely populated compared to other countries and is known for its rugged terrain. Canada is also known for having a sense of community, diversity, peacemaking, and a vibrant multicultural society with a unique cultural, ethnic, and linguistic mix. Since Canada is so diverse geographically and in population, this standard reflects a broad view, in the hopes of creating a seamless response to urban search and rescue (USAR) nation-wide.

Public Safety Canada (PS) is a federal department created in 2003 to ensure coordination across all federal departments and agencies responsible for national security and the safety of Canadians. One program that PS supports, in collaboration with federal, provincial, territorial partners, and municipal authorities is USAR. USAR is the general term for a group of specialized rescue technicians or operators supplemented by search, medical and structural assessment resources combined in a mobile, highly integrated team, with the purpose to search for and rescue people trapped in a collapsed structure. These specialized resources can be applicable to all-hazards responses, to the extent of their individual capability.

1.2 Origin and development

This edition of the Canadian USAR Team Standard, (formerly known as the Canadian Urban Search and Rescue Classification Guide) was prepared by PS and reviewed by its USAR advisory committee following the identification of a need to describe a continuum of USAR capacities in Canada. This document is the result of continued discussion between PS and Canadian USAR teams to further develop Canada's USAR response through policy and standards. Through these consultations with USAR teams it was recommended that the former classification guide be renamed to the Canadian Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team Standard. Rebranding this document will ensure this standard will not be confused with International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) team classifications for domestic and international deployment. The standard will align USAR resources (or teams) to a Canadian standard, modeled from the INSARAG minimum standards and methodology.

The premise of the standard is that USAR is a continuum of technical rescue capabilities from light USAR (conducted with few technical resources), to heavy USAR (multi-disciplinary teams that integrate large amounts of technical equipment and diverse professional skills in demanding rescue scenarios). The standard is a baseline, in some cases teams may exceed the standard.

This standard fulfills, in part, a PS commitment to provincial and territorial officials responsible for emergency preparedness to develop and describe key national guidelines (and, where required, standards) to maintain a consistent national approach across the country. For Canada, the Canadian USAR Team Standard provides a description of the capabilities that USAR teams at light, medium, and heavy levels bring to disaster response. In this respect, the standard aims to help authorities match available resources to the demands of the rescue scenario.

1.3 Scope

The Canadian USAR Team Standard draws on existing bodies of knowledge for definitions of operational skills, systems, and health and safety standards. These are professional references for fire, rescue and emergency medical services, and the building trades. Many activities conducted by USAR teams are regulated at federal and provincial levels in Canada for occupational health and safety, equipment certification and other standards.

In any Canadian jurisdiction, several authorities may be involved in regulating the disciplines that make up USAR teams. For this reason, the Canadian USAR Team Standard offers recommended practices and points to consider in developing a USAR capability. In interpreting the general standard, the reader should research and apply codes and regulations relevant to their own jurisdiction. Further specific advice that applies to emergency operations in their own jurisdiction and disciplines may be required.

The standardization of USAR team capabilities is a matter of domestic and international interest. A standard is an aid to better enable disaster-afflicted countries to match team capabilities to their response needs. The United Nations INSARAG has developed an international standard using categories of light, medium and heavy. This document focuses on Canadian operational standards while, at the same time conforming to INSARAG classification criteria for light, medium, and heavy USAR teams.

1.4 Organization and purpose

The Canadian USAR Team Standard covers light, medium and heavy USAR capabilities and provides a summary of the key response criteria characterizing each USAR operational level.

The purpose of this document is to define the operational minimum standard for USAR in Canada. Reviewing this document should ensure that a USAR team preparing to undergo Canadian National Accreditation has a deep understanding of the expected planning, preparation, and delivery requirements to be successful. By following this standard, a USAR team will be prepared to offer professional services, operate in a collaborative manner, and provide timely life-saving assistance in structural collapse events.

The Canadian USAR Team Standard shall be reviewed and updated every five years from its approval date. Review and update shall be completed by the end of the fifth calendar year. If required, review and update can occur at any time.

For the purposes of this document:

• The word "shall" communicates an obligation when referring to the base requirements of standardization
• The word "should" communicates a recommendation based on best practices that is considered additional to the base requirements of standardization
• The word "equivalent" communicates any course or combination of experience and qualification that are deemed by the authority having jurisdiction to result in the same caliber competency in the required area

2. Team standards

2.1 Teams

The Canadian USAR Team Standard is based on the INSARAG minimum standards and methodology. Some differences are identified in team composition, without compromising operational capability. The INSARAG Guidelines refer to three levels of capacity: light, medium, and heavy. In any Canadian jurisdiction, several authorities may be involved in regulating the disciplines that make up USAR teams. For this reason, the Canadian USAR Team Standard offers a minimum standard for developing a USAR capability in Canada. In interpreting the USAR Team Standard, the reader should consider that additional advice and information relevant to emergency operations in their own jurisdiction may be required.

As outlined in the INSARAG Guidelines, and shown in Table 1 below, USAR teams are required to consist of five key components:

1. Management
2. Search
3. Rescue
4. Medical; and
5. Logistics

2.1.1 Light USAR teams

As referenced in the INSARAG Guidelines, a light USAR team is comprised of the five components: Management, Search, Rescue, Medical, and Logistics. Light USAR teams can conduct technical search and rescue operations in collapsed structures of wood, masonry, and light reinforced concrete construction. The light team will also have the capacity to conduct rigging and lifting operations.

Light USAR teams will be similar in technical skills to medium and heavy USAR teams. Light teams will be capable of completing a search and rescue to Assessment, Search and Rescue (ASR) three on worksites^{Footnote 1}. As can be seen in Table 2, the light USAR team suggested minimum personnel is seventeen. The team's logistics component will be capable of establishing a Base of Operations (BoO) including shelter, sanitation, tool repair, feeding, and hygiene arrangements.

More specifically, a light USAR team:

• Is required to have the capacity to work on a single worksite
• Is required to have the capability for technical search and search canine is optional
• Must be adequately staffed and resourced to allow 12-hour operations on one site (site may change) for up to five days
• Must be able to medically treat its own team members (including canine, if present) as well as victims encountered if allowed to do so by the affected jurisdiction having authority; and
• Must be capable of conducting USAR operations to ASR Level 3 Rapid search and rescue

The capability level in tables 2-4 shown below will enable a light USAR team to carry out 12-hour operations on one worksite.

Minimum capability level for a light USAR team

2.1.2. Medium USAR teams

A medium USAR team is comprised of the five components as required by the INSARAG Guidelines: Management, Search, Rescue, Medical, and Logistics. Medium USAR teams have the ability to conduct technical search and rescue operations in collapsed or failed structures of heavy wood and/or reinforced masonry construction, including structures reinforced with structural steel. They must also conduct rigging and lifting operations, which may necessitate heavy rigging specialists. Different than the light USAR team, a medium USAR team:

• Is required to have the capacity to work only at a single worksite
• Is required to have the capability for technical search and canine search
• Must be adequately staffed to allow for 24-hour operations at one site (not necessarily at the same site; the sites may change) for up to seven days; and
• Must be able to medically treat its team members (including search canine if present) as well as victims encountered if allowed to do so by the government of the affected country

A minimum capability level, as outlined in tables 5-9 below, will enable a medium USAR team to carry out 24-hour operations on one worksite for up to seven days.

Minimum capability level for a medium USAR team

2.1.3. Heavy USAR teams

A heavy USAR team is also comprised of the five components as required by the INSARAG Guidelines: Management, Search, Rescue, Medical, and Logistics. Heavy USAR teams have the operational capability for complex technical search and rescue operations in collapsed or failed structures that require the ability to cut, break and breach steel reinforced concrete structures, as well as delayer these structures using lifting and rigging techniques, setting up a command post or RDC/UCC component, if applicable to national framework.

As outlined in the guidelines, a heavy USAR team:

• Is required to have the equipment and personnel to work at a heavy technical capability at two separate worksites simultaneously. A USAR team must have logistic capability to support two separate worksites
• Is required to have the capability for technical search and canine search
• Is required to have the technical capability to cut structural steel typically used for construction and reinforcement in multi-story structures
• Must be adequately staffed and logistically sufficient to allow for 24-hour operations at two independent sites (not necessarily at the same two sites; the sites may change) for up to ten consecutive days; and
• Must be able to medically treat its team members (including search canine) as well as victims that the USAR team is working to extricate prior to the medical handover, if allowed to do so by the emergency management agency of the affected jurisdiction

The suggested capability level presented in tables 10-14 will enable a USAR team to conduct 24-hour operations on two worksites for up to ten days.

Minimum capability level for a heavy USAR team

3. Team positions

The position descriptions are applicable to all members assigned to fulfill the position on a USAR deployment.

3.1 General training requirements

Regardless of position or responsibilities, each team member shall have the following training:

• Complete mental resilience training or equivalent training
• Complete ICS/IMS -100 course or equivalent
• Complete a National USAR Response System Orientation course or equivalent
• Complete training at the first responder awareness level (NFPA 1072) for hazardous materials (HazMat) or equivalent
• Maintain certification in first aid to an appropriate level for position on the team as determined by jurisdiction
• Complete respiratory protection training
• Complete NFPA 1006 2021 ed. compliant awareness level training for the following:
  • Confined space search and rescue
  • Structural collapse search and rescue
  • Rope rescue

3.2 Task force leader

Position specific requirements

The TFL is responsible for managing all aspects of a mission including operational and administrative issues from the time of activation through the return to the home jurisdiction. This includes all personnel and equipment resources as well as overseeing and directly supervising the team management. The TFL is responsible for the development and completion of all team tactical objectives as well as the proper reporting, record keeping, and after-action requirements. The TFL reports to the sponsoring agency, incident command or unified command.

Description of duties

The TFL is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the team tactical action plan; and
• Addressing the coordination, management, and supervision of all team activities
• Supervising the following positions:
  • Operations team manager
  • Logistics team leader/manager
  • Planning team manager
  • TF safety officer
• Ensuring all team organizational and logistical needs are identified and addressed
• Receiving briefings and ensuring that all team personnel are kept informed of mission objectives and status changes
• Providing regular situation reports to the incident management team or incident commander (IC)
• Performing additional tasks and duties, as assigned during a mission
• Ensuring the completion of all the required reports and maintenance of records
• Ensuring incident stress management activities are planned and conducted
• Ensuring resource acquisitions are properly processed
• Manage all demobilization and return to readiness issues; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a TFL in support of USAR activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional managers capable of effectively managing and supervising all aspects of the team in the urban disaster environment.

The requirements and criteria for the TFL are as follows:

• A comprehensive knowledge of the incident command system (ICS) or incident management system (IMS) and the USAR response system, its organizational structure, operating procedures, safety practices, terminology, INSARAG methodology and cultural awareness (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety, Indigenous engagement, etc.), and communications protocols
• A comprehensive knowledge of the team functions, and urban search and rescue operations, tactics, strategy, and safety considerations
• An understanding of other disaster response organizations
• Knowledge of available technology used in support of USAR missions and objectives
• An awareness of the hazards associated with various disaster environments; and
• A knowledge of supervisory and personnel management techniques
• Be competent in the development and use of integrated action planning concepts and processes
• Be competent in emergency incident management
• Be competent at developing and maintaining interpersonal relations
• Possess the interpersonal skills to manage the assigned personnel and lead the team to the accomplishment of the stated mission objectives
• Be a competent planner and organizer
• Be capable of effectively coordinating and directing multiple functions of the team during mission assignment
• Be able to be flexible, to improvise, to share information, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing (in English and/or French)
• Possess good interagency coordination skills and work well with various technical components and other organizations
• Have the ability to lead in a stressful disaster environment with limited resources; and
• Have the ability to follow directions and carry out assigned duties without supervision

Required training

The TFL shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Complete ICS or IMS-300 and ICS or IMS-400; and
• Complete a TFL course, or equivalent

Recommended training

The TFL should:

• Complete a structural collapse technician course (NFPA 1006 2021 ed. compliant)
• Complete a technical search specialist course, or equivalent
• Complete an all-hazards incident commander course or equivalent
• Complete an all-hazards operations section chief course or equivalent
• Complete an all-hazards planning section chief course or equivalent; and
• On-site operations coordination centre (OSOCC) awareness course or equivalent (INSARAG), if relevant to the expected scope of operations

3.3 Operations team manager

Position specific requirements

The operations team manager is responsible for managing all aspects of a mission including operational and administrative issues from the time of activation through the return to the home jurisdiction. This includes all personnel and equipment resources as well as overseeing and directly supervising the team management. The operations team manager is responsible for the development and completion of all team tactical objectives as well as the proper reporting, record keeping, and after-action requirements.

Description of duties

The operations team manager is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the team tactical action plan; and
• Managing team USAR activities
• Supervising the following positions:
  • Medical team leader/manager
  • Search team leader/manager
  • Rescue team leader/manager
  • HazMat team leader/manager; and
• Maintaining situational awareness, communicating updates to the team, providing regular situation reports to the incident management team or IC
• Performing additional tasks and duties, as assigned during a mission
• Ensuring the completion of all the required reports and maintenance of records
• Ensuring incident stress management activities are planned and conducted
• Manage all demobilization and return to readiness issues; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as an operations team manager in support of USAR activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional managers capable of effectively managing and supervising all aspects of the team in the urban disaster environment.

The requirements and criteria for the operations team manager are as follows:

• A comprehensive knowledge of ICS or IMS and the USAR response system, its organizational structure, operating procedures, safety practices, terminology, and communications protocols
• A comprehensive knowledge of the team functions, and urban search and rescue operations, tactics, strategy, and safety considerations
• An understanding of other disaster response organizations
• Knowledge of available technology used in support of USAR missions and objectives
• An awareness of the hazards associated with various disaster environments
• Knowledge of supervisory and personnel management techniques
• Be competent in the development and use of integrated action planning concepts and processes
• Be competent in emergency incident management
• Be competent at developing and maintaining interpersonal relations
• Possess the interpersonal skills to manage the assigned personnel and lead the team to the accomplishment of the stated mission objectives
• Be a competent planner and organizer
• Be capable of effectively coordinating and directing multiple functions of the team during mission assignment
• Be able to be flexible, to improvise, to share information, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Possess good interagency coordination skills and work well with various technical components and other organizations
• Have the ability to lead in a stressful disaster environment with limited resources; and
• Have the ability to follow directions and carry out assigned duties without supervision

Required training

The operations team manager shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Complete ICS or IMS-300; and
• Complete a structural collapse technician course (NFPA 1006 2021 ed. compliant)

Recommended training

The operations team manager should:

• Complete a technical search specialist course, or equivalent
• Complete an all-hazards incident commander course or equivalent
• Complete an all-hazards operations section chief course or equivalent
• Complete an all-hazards planning section chief course or equivalent
• Complete ICS or IMS-400
• Complete a TFL course, or equivalent

3.4 Planning team manager

Position specific requirements

The planning team manager is responsible for the operation and supervision of the following:

• TF situation: research and provide information, mapping and displays to aid in the operation
• TF resources: maintain overall accountability for all members on the deployment including who is 'available' (waiting to be assigned) and who is 'out of service' (sleeping, etc.) - TF Ops will maintain accountability for resources and personnel that are 'assigned' working under Ops
• TF documentation: compile and file all TF documentation
• TF demobilization: prepare plans to effectively demobilize the TF team
• TF advanced planning: forecast future needs and oversee the development of the tactical worksheet and TF planning cycle

Description of duties

The planning team manager is responsible for:

• Coordinating the development of the team tactical action plan
• Gathering and managing incoming worksite related situational data and response efforts
• Working with the OTM to prioritize worksites and team resources for tasking
• Situational awareness of team response activities
• Managing related functions, including team and management situational awareness, data collection, compilation and display, advanced planning considerations, reporting as required, and document management
• Determining the planning organizational and logistical needs
• Receiving briefings and situation reports and ensuring that all planning personnel are kept informed of status changes
• Providing situation reports and maintaining records and reports
• Preparing performance evaluations for assigned personnel; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as planning team manager in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional managers capable of effectively managing and supervising the planning component in the urban disaster environment.

The planning team manager should have and maintain:

• A comprehensive knowledge of ICS or IMS and the USAR response system, its organizational structure, operating procedures, safety practices, terminology, and communications protocols
• A comprehensive knowledge of the team functions, and urban search and rescue operations, tactics, strategy, and safety considerations
• An understanding of other disaster response organizations
• Knowledge of available technology used in support of USAR missions and objectives
• An awareness of the hazards associated with various disaster environments; and
• A knowledge of supervisory and personnel management techniques

The planning team manager should:

• Be competent in the development and use of integrated action planning concepts and processes
• Be competent in emergency incident management
• Be competent at developing and maintaining interpersonal relations
• Possess the interpersonal skills to manage the assigned personnel and lead the team to the accomplishment of the stated mission objectives
• Be a competent planner and organizer
• Be capable of effectively coordinating and directing multiple functions of the team during mission assignment
• Be able to be flexible, to improvise, to share information, resolve conflicts, and solve problems
• Be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Possess good interagency coordination skills and work well with various technical components and other organizations
• Have the ability to lead in a stressful disaster environment with limited resources; and
• Have the ability to follow directions and carry out assigned duties without supervision

Required training

The planning team manager shall:

• Complete all general training requirements; and
• Complete ICS or IMS-300

Recommended training

The planning team manager should:

• Complete TFL training course or equivalent
• Complete an all-hazards planning section chief course or equivalent
• Complete ICS or IMS-400

3.5 Structural specialist

Position specific requirements

The structural specialist is responsible for performing the various structural assessments for the team during incident operations.

Description of duties

The structural specialist is responsible for:

• Assessing the structural condition within the area of team operations, which includes identifying structure types and specific damage and structural hazards
• Recommending the appropriate type and amount of structural hazard mitigation to minimize risks to team personnel
• Provide input necessary to the development of team tactical action plans
• Cooperating with and assisting other search and rescue resources
• Providing accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned during a mission
• Monitoring assigned structure for condition changes while rescue and recovery operations are proceeding
• Assuming an active role in implementing approved structural hazard mitigation as a designer, inspector, and possibly a supervisor
• Coordinating and communicating the structural related hazard mitigation; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a structural specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select personnel fully capable of providing competent assessments and advice to team personnel in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The structural specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Be currently licensed as a professional engineer; specialization in structures or equivalent (equivalency is graduation with Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (or similar curriculum) from a college or university); and have experience in structure design and analysis to include evaluation of existing structures, field investigation or construction observation experience, or the teaching of subject pertaining to structures, structural safety, and structural collapse

Additional specific requirements

The structural specialist should:

• Have a minimum five years of experience in structure design and analysis to include evaluation of existing structures, field investigation or construction observation experience, or the teaching of subject pertaining to structures, structural safety, and structural collapse
• Complete the ATC 20 post earthquake safety evaluation course or equivalent
• Complete a structural collapse technician course (NFPA 1006 2021 ed. compliant)

3.6 TF safety officer

Position specific requirements

The TF safety officer is responsible for monitoring and assessing the safety aspects of the team during training, exercises, and incident operations.

Description of duties

The TF safety officer is responsible for:

• Overseeing health and safety of all team personnel during day-to-day operations, training, and exercises as well as on deployment
• Coordinating with team managers relative to the health, welfare, and safe operations of their assigned personnel
• Preventing injuries and illness of team members through appropriate administrative and engineering controls of hazards including enforcement of safety policies and procedures
• Conduct site safety analysis, complete required ICS documents for incident action plan/tactical action plan, develop safety messages and conduct safety briefings
• Work with team managers to establish acceptable entry conditions and appropriate personal protective equipment to be worn by personnel entering the hazard zone
• Establish and enforce the use of a personnel accountability system to be used during training, exercises, and actual disaster deployments
• Immediate intervention of activities to prevent the loss of life and prevention of injuries
• Conduct incident/accident investigations with appropriate team personnel under the direction of the TFL. Prepare post-incident injury reports and submit them to the TFL
• Preparing and maintaining entry permits, records, and reports; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a (team) TF safety officer in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional managers capable of effectively managing and supervising the safety function in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The TF safety officer shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Complete ICS or IMS-300
• Complete a safety officer course, or equivalent

Recommended training

The TF safety officer should:

• Complete ICS or IMS-400
• Complete a technician level course (NFPA 1006 2021 ed compliant) in the following disciplines
  • Rope rescue
  • Structural collapse rescue
  • Confined space rescue

3.7 Search team leader/manager

Position specific requirements

The search team leader/manager is responsible for managing the search function of the team and supervising the canine search specialists and technical search specialists.

Description of duties

The search team leader/manager is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the search component of the team tactical action plan
• Performing physical, technical and/or canine search in collapsed or failed structures
• Managing search and reconnaissance activities
• Overseeing land navigation and site mapping
• Determining search and reconnaissance operational, organizational, and logistical needs
• Ensuring that all assigned personnel are kept informed of mission objectives and status changes to include briefings and debriefings
• Preparing performance evaluations for assigned personnel
• Providing situation updates, documenting, and maintaining records and reports; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a search team leader/manager in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional managers, capable of effectively managing and supervising the search component, in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The search team leader/manager shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Complete a technical search specialist course, or equivalent

Recommended training

The search team leader/manager should:

• Complete a planning team training course, or equivalent
• Match or exceed requirements of technical search specialist; and
• Complete ICS or IMS-300

3.8 Technical search specialist

Position specific requirement

The technical search specialist is responsible for performing the technical search function of the team USAR response.

Description of duties

The technical search specialist is responsible for:

• Conducting physical and technical search in a USAR environment or other locations indicated in the mission assignment
• Documenting and marking locations of victims, potential victims, and hazards using INSARAG marking systems (or locally required equivalent)
• Making assessments using technical search equipment
• Land navigation and site mapping
• Cooperating with and assisting other search and rescue resources
• Providing accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs of all issued equipment; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a technical search specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select competent personnel, fully capable of providing state-of-the-art search techniques and tactics required in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The technical search specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Complete a technical search specialist course, or equivalent

Recommended training

The technical search specialist should:

• Complete an NFPA 1006 2021 ed compliant course to the operations level on the following disciplines
  • Rope rescue
  • Structural collapse rescue
  • Confined space rescue
• Complete a canine first aid course to level required by jurisdiction

3.9 Canine search specialist

Position specific requirements

The canine search specialist is primarily responsible for supporting the search function with the canine resource. They are responsible for the care and welfare of the canine during mission deployment.

Description of duties

The canine search specialist is responsible for:

• Searching disaster environments and locations indicated in the mission assignment, using appropriate canine search equipment and techniques
• Documenting results of the canine search, including locations of alerts, and routing them appropriately
• Understanding and accurately interpreting canine's behavior, including knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of search canines
• Care and welfare of their canine, including assisting the medical team in the canine's medical care; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a canine search specialist in support of USAR activities. The intent of these requirements is to provide canine teams capable of using the search techniques and tactics required to support the search function with the canine resource in various disaster environments.

Required training

The canine search specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Maintain level 1 validation as per the Canadian disaster search canine standard
• Complete a canine search specialist course, or equivalent

Recommended training

The canine search specialist should:

• Maintain level two validation as per the Canadian disaster search canine standard
• Complete a canine first aid course to level required by jurisdiction or equivalent
• Complete a technical search specialist course or equivalent

3.10 Hazardous materials team leader/manager

Position specific requirements

The HazMat team leader/manager is responsible for managing the Hazmat functions of the team and supervising the HazMat specialists of the team.

Description of duties

The HazMat team leader/manager is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the HazMat component of the team tactical action plan
• Coordinating, managing, and supervising all HazMat activities
• Providing input in the development of the site safety plan in cooperation with medical team leader/manager and TF safety officers
• Determining HazMat organizational and logistical needs
• Receiving briefings and situation reports and ensuring that all HazMat personnel are kept informed of mission objectives and status changes
• Providing situation updates and maintaining records and reports
• Providing accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment
• Possessing knowledge of the practical application of available (detection, personal protective equipment, and decontamination) technology used to support USAR missions and objectives; and
• Designing and implementing decontamination procedures

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a HazMat leader/manager in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional leaders/managers capable of effectively managing and supervising the HazMat component in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The HazMat team leader/manager shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Meet all requirements identified in NFPA 470 2022 ed for the technician level

The HazMat team leader/manager should:

• Complete ICS or IMS-300

3.11 HazMat specialist

Position specific requirements

The HazMat specialist is responsible for performing the various HazMat functions for the team during incident operations. The HazMat specialist reports directly to the HazMat team leader/manager.

Description of duties

The HazMat specialist is responsible for:

• Providing an initial and ongoing survey (detection, monitoring and sampling) for, and identification of, the presence of HazMat at search and rescue sites
• Proficiency with the set up and use of the decontamination system and equipment
• Directing decontamination procedures for any team member victim, canine, or equipment
• Performing minor mitigation operations
• Utilizing their technical expertise to advise team managers regarding all hazardous material issues in order to plan for tactical operations
• Document all related information regarding the incident
• Adhering to all safety procedures
• Properly utilizing the detection monitors and devices in the USAR cache
• Proficiency in donning and doffing all personal protective equipment in the USAR cache
• Proficiency in building triage and USAR marking systems
• Working with logistics team personnel to establish and maintain a regular maintenance schedule for HazMat cache items, including calibration, battery charging, function tests, and field repair
• Performing regular assessments of the base of operations for hazardous conditions, such as carbon monoxide from generators, or any other contaminants
• Establishing and maintaining a liaison with HazMat personnel from other teams; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a HazMat specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select personnel fully capable of providing competent HazMat assessments and advice to team personnel in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The HazMat specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Meet all requirements identified in NFPA 470 2022 ed for the technician level

Recommended training

The HazMat specialist should:

• Complete ICS or IMS-300

3.12 Rescue team leader/manager

Position specific requirements

The rescue team leader/manager is responsible for managing and coordinating all operational functions of the team.

Description of duties

The rescue team leader/manager is responsible for:

• Assisting in the development and implementation of the team tactical action plan
• Coordinating, managing, and supervising all functional groups involved in rescue activities
• Determining rescue organizational and logistical needs
• Receiving briefings and situation reports and ensuring that all rescue personnel are kept informed of mission objectives and status change
• Providing situation updates and maintaining records and reports
• Preparing performance evaluations for assigned personnel
• Ensuring accountability and maintenance for all issued equipment
• Ensuring accountability of all assigned personnel
• Provide a mission specific rapid intervention plan including personnel and equipment needs; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a rescue team leader/manager in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional leaders/managers capable of effectively managing and supervising rescue operations in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The rescue team leader/manager shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Meet requirements of rescue specialist; and
• Complete ICS or IMS-300

Recommended training

The rescue team leader/manager should:

• Complete ICS or IMS-400
• Complete a heavy equipment and rigging specialist course

3.13 Rescue specialist

Position specific requirements

The rescue specialist is responsible for performing the rescue function of the team incident operation.

Description of duties

The rescue specialist is responsible for:

• Implementing technical skills and operating equipment necessary for completing the rescue portion of the action plan
• Performing rescue operations under the direct supervision of a rescue team leader/manager and providing periodic progress reports as needed
• The operation and routine field maintenance of rescue tools and equipment
• Ensuring accountability and maintenance for all issued equipment
• Evaluating and modifying rescue tactics as needed; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a rescue specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select personnel fully capable of providing the rescue tactics and techniques required in a disaster environment.

Required training

The rescue specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Meet all requirements identified in NFPA 1006 2021 ed for the technician level in the following disciplines
  • Rope rescue
  • Structural collapse rescue
  • Confined space rescue

Recommended training

The rescue specialist should:

• Meet all requirements identified in NFPA 1006 2021 ed for the technician level in the following disciplines
  • Surface water rescue
  • Trench rescue
  • Common vehicle rescue
  • Machinery rescue

3.14 Heavy equipment and rigging specialist

Position specific requirements

The heavy equipment and rigging specialist is responsible for performing various assessments and construction-related liaison for the team during incident operations.

Description of duties

The heavy equipment and rigging specialist is responsible for:

• Ensuring the safety of team members by assessing hazards at disaster sites pertaining to the positioning and operations of cranes and other heavy equipment
• Assessing the need for and capabilities of various types of construction-related equipment to assist team personnel in USAR activities
• Preparing site for and assisting with positioning and setup of cranes and other heavy equipment
• Identifying various rigging techniques to assist in the rescue of victims or stabilization of collapsed buildings, including the development of rigging plans and procedures
• Interacting with and coordinating efforts between the team personnel and heavy equipment operators, contractors, and organized labour
• Adhering to all safety procedures
• Providing documentation to assist team in procuring cranes and other heavy equipment, as well as maintaining daily logs
• Providing accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a heavy equipment and rigging specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select personnel fully capable of providing competent assessments and advice to team personnel in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The heavy equipment and rigging specialist should have:

• Complete all general training requirements; and
• Complete a heavy equipment and rigging specialist course or equivalent

Additional specific requirements

The heavy equipment and rigging specialist should have:

• Experience in the heavy construction field, such as heavy equipment operator, crane operator, iron worker, rigger, or another applicable field; or
• A minimum of three years' experience as a rescue specialist on a team

3.15 Medical team leader/manager

Position specific requirements

The medical team leader/manager has overall responsibility for the management and supervision of the medical function of the team during USAR operations. The medical team leader/manager can be a doctor, registered nurse or a paramedic.

Description of duties

The medical team leader/manager is responsible for:

• Developing and implementing the medical component of the team tactical action plan
• Directly supervising the medical specialists
• Assisting in the development of the safety plan in coordination with the TF safety officer and team HazMat manager
• Coordinating, managing, and supervising of all medical activities
• Determining the medical organizational and logistics needs
• Receiving briefings and situation reports and ensuring that all medical personnel are kept informed of status changes
• Responsible for providing situation reports and maintaining records and reports
• Directing medical care delivery to team personnel, search canine, and victims
• Ensuring a continuum of medical care and coordinating interaction with all appropriate outside medical entities
• Ensuring accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned; and
• Gathering medical information during USAR reconnaissance operations

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a medical team leader/manager in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional leaders/managers capable of effectively managing, coordinating, and supervising the medical component in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The medical team leader/manager shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Meet requirements of medical specialist
• Must be a licensed doctor, registered nurse or paramedic who has experience with pre-hospital medical care; or
• Must be currently a licensed doctor, registered nurse or paramedic with current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Advanced Trauma Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certifications (or equivalents) whose medical activities include clinical medicine and/or pre-hospital care; and
• Complete a USAR medical specialist course or equivalent

Recommended training

The medical team leader/manager should:

• Complete a canine emergency medicine course
• Complete an operations level course (NFPA 1006 2021 ed compliant) in the following disciplines
  • Rope rescue
  • Structural collapse rescue
  • Confined space rescue
• Complete ICS or IMS-300
• Complete ICS or IMS-400

3.16 Medical specialist

Position specific requirements

The medical specialist is responsible for performing the medical function of the team incident operation.

Description of duties

The medical specialist is responsible for:

• The general health considerations of and delivery of medical care to all team personnel, victims, and search canine, while under the supervision of the medical team leader/manager, during disaster events
• Implementing the medical action plans specified by the medical team leader/manager
• Accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a medical specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select personnel fully capable of providing medical care required by the team in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The medical specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Be currently certified / licensed as a paramedic and have met all the requirements in their local jurisdiction. Must be actively participating in pre-hospital care; or
• Be currently certified / licensed as a physician assistant, Registered Nurse-Practitioner or Registered Nurse who is currently certified / licensed as a Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse- Practitioner or Registered Nurse – certified within an accredited organization or municipality. Must be certified and maintain the following, Basic Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support regimens (or equivalent)
• Complete a USAR medical specialist course or equivalent

Recommended training

The medical specialist should:

• Complete a canine emergency field care course or equivalent
• Complete an operations level course (NFPA 1006 2021 ed compliant) in the following disciplines
  • Rope rescue
  • Structural collapse rescue
  • Confined space rescue

3.17 Logistics team leader/manager

Position specific requirements

The logistics team leader/manager is responsible for the logistics function of the USAR team and supervising the team logistics specialist, communications specialist, support specialist, and other personnel as assigned.

Description of duties

The logistics team leader/manager is responsible for:

• All duties and responsibilities of the logistics specialist
• Completion of all team transportation documents (cargo manifests, shipping declarations, bills of lading, etc.)
• Coordinating, managing, and supervising all logistical activities
• Preparing performance evaluations for assigned personnel
• Ensuring accountability, maintenance, and repairs for all team equipment
• Provide for operation and maintenance for all facilities and associated equipment
• Management of team transportation fleet; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a logistics team leader/manager in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select functional leaders/managers capable of effectively managing and supervising the logistical component in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The logistics team leader/manager shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Complete a logistics specialist course or equivalent
• Complete forklift training course (complete refresher training as required)
• Complete a Canadian transport emergency centre (CANUTEC^{Footnote 3}) HazMat handler/packer/labeler course or equivalent; and
• Complete and maintain certification, as appropriate or required by the authority having jurisdiction, as a certifying official for transportation requirements and regulations – air and ground

Recommended training

The logistics team leader/manager should:

• Complete ICS or IMS 300

3.18 Logistics specialist

Position specific requirements

The logistics specialist is responsible for ensuring the preparation and maintenance of the team equipment cache.

Description of duties

The logistics specialist is responsible for:

• Coordinating the packaging, transporting, distribution, and maintenance of the team equipment cache prior, during, and after mission assignments
• Coordinating with military and/or civilian officials for transportation needs
• Procuring equipment as directed by the logistics team leader/manager
• Ensuring accountability of the team equipment cache
• Maintaining accurate and timely records and reports
• Adhering to all safety procedures
• Maintaining and repairing the team equipment cache
• Assisting with overall management of team facilities and fleet
• Coordinating and directing support specialists (when staffed); and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a logistics specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select personnel capable of managing the logistics needs of the team in the urban disaster environment.

Required training

The logistics specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements
• Complete a logistics specialist course, or equivalent
• Complete forklift training course (complete refresher training as required); and
• Complete a transportation of dangerous goods course, or equivalent

Recommended training

The logistics specialist should:

• Complete ICS or IMS 300; and
• Maintain qualification, where required by the authority having jurisdiction, for official certification of equipment when transported by air or ground

3.19 Communications specialist

Position specific requirements

The communications specialist is responsible for managing, and maintaining, all communications and communications systems for the team.

Description of duties

The communications specialist is responsible for:

• Keeping the TFL and logistics manager informed of the capabilities and/or limitations of incident communications
• Assessing overall communications needs, obtaining frequencies, and developing the team incident communications plan
• The installation, operation, and maintenance of the team communications systems, including radio, satellite, telephone, internet, Global Positioning System (GPS), and networks during incidents;
• Coordinating communications with other entities
• Adhering to all safety procedures
• Accountability, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs of communications equipment
• Maintaining appropriate records and reports
• Maintaining the communications cache in an operational state at all times
• Developing requests for replacement, or repair, for consumable, inoperative, lost, damaged, or destroyed communications items
• Develop a team communications plan (ICS 205) as part of tactical action plan; and
• Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned

Position requirements and criteria

Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to deploy as a communications specialist in support of resource's activities. The intent of these requirements is to select personnel capable of managing the communications needs of the team in the disaster environment.

Required training

The communications specialist shall:

• Complete all general training requirements

Recommended training

The communications specialist should:

• Complete ICS or IMS-300

4. Team capabilities and equipment

4.1 Capabilities

USAR Coordination Cell (UCC)

INSARAG recognizes the importance of the coordination of resources during a disaster. As such, their methodology utilizes a USAR coordination cell (UCC) to collect information and coordinate USAR operations.

Reception Departure Centre (RDC)

A critical part of coordination is the collection and dissemination of information to and from incoming teams. This is accomplished by establishing a reception and departure centre (RDC) at the point(s) of entry. The RDC informs the UCC of incoming teams and can disseminate critical information to teams such as the location of the UCC and where they should establish their base of operations.

UCC/RDC establishment

The UCC and RDC are established by the first arriving team and are staffed by trained members of responding teams.

Canada has committed to utilizing the INSARAG methodology for large events that require the response of multiple teams. This allows for common coordination mechanisms across Canadian teams, as well as the ability to accept assistance from international teams. As such, teams shall maintain the capability to establish and provide staffing to a UCC and RDC. The applicability of a UCC or RDC will likely be proposed by the first USAR team arriving on scene during the initial phases of a significant USAR event. It remains at the discretion of the agency running the emergency response whether or not either of these constructs (UCC/RDC) is utilized.

The structure, methodology, and forms utilized by the UCC/RDC are as outlined in the INSARAG guidelines.

The following table extracts the technical requirements or capabilities at each team level from Table 6 above and is classified from heavy to medium to light.

4.2 Equipment

The following material from the INSARAG Volume II Manual A describes the equipment required by team position for each team level.

All USAR teams (light, medium, heavy) must have personal protective equipment, respiratory protection (minimum P100), and long duration gear as per team guidelines.

The management section of every USAR team (light, medium, heavy) must have:

• Administrative tools and supplies required to manage the USAR team at the level of classification
• Capacity to establish and/or supply staff for an RDC/UCC
• Office and administrative equipment for the USAR team
• Tools to manage personnel accountability

The safety and security section of every USAR team (light, medium, heavy) must have:

• Administrative tools and supplies required to manage the risk and safety of the USAR team at the level of classification.

The logistics section of every USAR team (light, medium, heavy) must have:

• Administrative tools and supplies required to manage logistics for the USAR team at the level of classification
• Supplies required to meet the administrative requirement of air and/or ground transport
• Equipment and accessories for generating, supplying and detecting electricity
• Equipment to establish a BoO including shelter, sanitation, tool repair, feeding and hygiene
• Communications equipment including hand-held radios, satellite telephones, computers, and internet connectivity for the USAR team at the level of classification.
• Fire extinguishers

The rescue section of a light USAR team must have:

• Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical equipment for lifting loads up to 1 metric ton (manual) and 1 metric ton (mechanical), and 5 tons with slings and cranes
• Work safe at heights and rope rescue a patient from 10 metres above or below the work site
• Assortment of bars/levers for lifting light objects
• Equipment to cut metal debris up to 3 mm and light concrete reinforcing mesh
• Hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical equipment for breaking concrete up to 150 mm and cutting timber up to 200 mm
• Signaling devices
• Equipment for class 1 shoring United States of America Company of Engineers (USACE)

The rescue section of a medium USAR team must have:

• Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical equipment for lifting loads up to 1 metric ton (manual) and 12 metric tons (mechanical)
• Equipment for lifting and lowering loads with accessories for anchoring, securing, moving and dragging loads up to 12 metric tons
• Rope for hauling and anchoring, with accessories
• Assortment of bars/levers for lifting light objects
• Tools, supplies and equipment required to monitor building stability and design shoring systems
• Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical equipment for cutting metal debris up to 10 mm
• Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical equipment for breaking concrete up to 300 mm thick and timber up to 300 mm
• Cribbing supplies
• Equipment for class 1, 2, and 3 shoring (USACE)

The rescue section of a heavy USAR team must have:

• Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical equipment for lifting loads up to 2.5 metric tons (manual) and 20 metric tons (mechanical)
• Equipment for lifting and lowering loads with accessories for anchoring, securing, moving and dragging loads greater than 20 metric tons
• Tools, supplies and equipment required to monitor building stability and design shoring systems.
• Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical equipment for cutting and burning metal, structural steel or steel bar up to 20 mm
• Hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical equipment to cut and/or penetrate concrete up to 450 mm thick and timber up to 300 mm
• Equipment for class 1, 2, and 3 shoring (USACE)

The search section of every USAR team (light, medium, heavy) must have:

• Administrative tools and supplies required to manage search operations
• Technical equipment used to detect, locate, and monitor entrapped victims including specialized cameras and acoustic/seismic devices
• Search canines trained in air-scenting to detect entrapped live victims
• Building marking supplies

The medical section of every USAR team (light, medium, heavy) must have:

• Assessment and treatment to advanced life support level to care for the team including its dogs
• Advanced life support equipment to care for minimum 1 critical patient rescued per worksite at a time, including stabilization and packaging
• Ability to restock consumables

The HazMat section of a light USAR team must have:

• Atmospheric monitoring equipment for USAR team at the level of classification
• Basic decontamination of equipment and personnel

The HazMat section of medium and heavy USAR teams must have:

• Forced ventilation equipment
• P100 or equivalent mask for respiratory protection

References

• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. INSARAG Guidelines (2020)
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. INSARAG Guidelines (2020). Volume II: Preparedness and Response. Manual B: Operations (PDF)
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. INSARAG Guidelines (2020). Volume II: Preparedness and Response. Manual C: INSARAG External Classification and Reclassification (PDF)
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. INSARAG Guidelines (2020). Volume II: Preparedness and Response. Manual A: Capacity Building (PDF)

Appendix A: Assessment, search and rescue levels

As INSARAG outlines, USAR operations are divided into the five levels, each level is explained and defined in the tables below.

ASR level 1 – Wide area assessment

Definitions and purpose

• The preliminary survey of the affected or assigned area
• For the purpose of:
  • Determining the scope and magnitude of the incident
  • Identifying scope, location, and types of damage
  • Estimating the urgent resource needs
  • Developing a sectorization plan
  • Establishing priorities
  • Identifying general hazards
  • Identifying infrastructure issues
  • Identifying potential BoO locations
• Usually accomplished by; vehicle, helicopter, waterborne craft, on foot or from reports from others e.g., a local emergency management authority (LEMA)
• Initial, fast visual check of the damaged or assigned area

Teams carrying out this level of assessment must remain mobile, not engage in rescue operations, and report the results as quickly as possible.

Carried out when and by who

• The LEMA often do this prior to the arrival of teams and provide all or some of this information

If it is not complete it may be beneficial to redo this.

• Can be done by members of the OSOCC/ United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination Team on their arrival
• USAR Teams

INSARAG tools

• Information on the virtual on-site operations coordination centre
• RDC/OSOCC briefing
• These could be supported by information such as: LEMA briefings, maps, GPS coordinates, photographs, and video

Outputs

• OSOCC/RDC/UCC briefing
• Sectorizations plan
• BoO location(s)
• Initial priorities and plan
• Resource requests e.g., more teams
• Posts on the Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre
• Updates on the ICMS dashboard

ASR level 2 – Worksite triage assessment

Definitions and purpose

• The main purpose is to identify specific and viable live rescue sites within the allocated sector to allow assignment prioritization and make a plan of action
• It needs to be a fast paced but methodical assessment
• The aim is to assess the whole sector in a timely manner
• The worksite triage form should be used to gather the essential information at this stage
• Information from the local population and local responders is often valuable and should be sought during the assessment.
• Rescues are not usually performed during this level unless an unexpected opportunity arises

If live victims are found the decision on whether the assessment team stays to start the rescue or carries on the assessment will be dependent on the situation and the brief the team received, some options are:

• Additional resources are called in to carry out the rescue
• The assessment team stays but must ensure the sector assessment is completed by others as soon as possible
• Adopt a strategy to send a combined team able to do both ASR Level 2 sector Assessment and ASR Level 3 Rapid Search and Rescue

An ASR level 2 assessment can be repeated later if it is thought necessary, e.g., a nighttime assessment or an assessment with additional canine, which may produce different results

Carried out when and by who

• It is preferably done closely behind the level 1 wide Area Assessment and as soon as possible after sectors have been established
• The LEMA may have sectorized and started this process prior to assistance arriving. If this is not complete it may be beneficial for a USAR team to redo this
• If the LEMA has not done this, then it should be the first action of the initial USAR team(s) in a sector
• USAR teams
• Use of canine or technical search equipment is optional and will depend on the situation. Using these will improve the detailed results but will slow down the process; a balance is needed

INSARAG tools

• Worksite triage form
• Briefing from UCC
• A map of the sector area being assessed is highly recommended and should be used to clarify the areas assessed and cleared

There could also be information such as: LEMA briefings, information from local teams, GPS coordinates, photographs, etc.

Outputs

• Completed worksite triage forms identifying the site's teams are needed at
  • A completed worksite ID
  • A correctly marked worksite for triage
• A map of the sector showing the area covered by the assessment
• Development of the sector plan of action and priorities by UCC
• Assignment of USAR teams to worksites
• Further resource requests
• Approved data in the ICMS dashboard

An up-to-date ICMS dashboard

ASR level 3 – Rapid search and rescue

Definitions and purpose

• Usually applies in the early stages of a large-scale event when a relatively small number of teams is available compared to the number of sites that require search and rescue
• Fairly rapid progress needed to ensure the allocated structures are all searched relatively quickly to maximize the lifesaving opportunities
• There is relatively modest commitment to each site with:
  • Use of physical, canine, or technical search techniques
  • Rescue operations using debris removal and limited shoring, breaking, and breaching, etc.
  • Limited penetration into the structure/rubble
• The searches and/or rescues are normally possible to complete within one operational period, e.g., a few hours
• A team will not normally undertake long-term operations (more than one operational period) to penetrate deeply into the structure unless there are strong indications of live victims
• Deeply entombed victims may not be found during this level
• At this level teams should identify those structures or worksites where a Level 4 search might be worthwhile
• If a confirmed deeply trapped live victim is identified, team may extend to Level 4 operations if the assignment constraints and restraints allow, or they get permission from sector coordination. However, they must ensure Level 3 work is completed for the remaining worksites assigned to them. In case they are not able or do not complete the rescue, they should ask for additional resources
• If additional rescue sites are identified at any time, then a new Worksite ID should be created
• The SCC/UCC must keep track of all ASR3 assignments and reassign to the site for ASR4, except for those sites being reported not to need ASR4

Carried out when and by who

• This is usually done when USAR teams are initially allocated into sectors
• Should always be done at identified worksites
• Done by light, medium and heavy USAR teams
• This work might also be done by the LEMA's national teams

One USAR team may be able to operate simultaneously at more than one worksite due to the limited commitment.

INSARAG Tools

• Worksite triage form
• Worksite report form
• Victim extrication form
• Worksite marking system

Outputs

• Completed worksite reports
• Marking of worksites
• Completed victim extrication forms

ASR level 4 – Full search and rescue

Definitions and purpose

• This is the SAR work that should identify, locate, and rescue the small number of heavily trapped or entombed survivors that local rescuers, first responders, LEMA resources or ASR Level 3 operations did not achieve
• Teams will penetrate most or all the survivable voids
• These are likely to be longer term (more than one operational period) operations requiring a wide range of USAR skills, such as
  • All possible search techniques and equipment and often repeated as access is achieved
  • Possibly extensive shoring to make the structure or access routes safe
  • Heavy and repeated breaking and breaching of the full range of structural elements
  • Lifting and/or moving of large elements
  • Some delayering may take place at this level if access is needed to an identified potential live rescue
  • Working in confined spaces, sometimes deep inside structures
• This may involve several teams on the same worksite
• Complete command and control of the worksite is needed

Carried out when and by who

• This level is normally carried out after or in conjunction with Level 3 Rapid Search and Rescue
• If the LEMA has identified specific sites already, a team may go straight into Level 4 operations as their first tasking

Carried out by medium and heavy USAR teams

INSARAG tools

• Worksite triage form
• Worksite report
• Worksite marking system
• Victim extrication form

Outputs

• Completed worksite reports
• Marking of worksites
• Completed victim extrication forms

ASR level 5 – Total coverage search and rescue

Definitions and purpose

• This usually means operations carried out at a worksite to recover the deceased victims
• It is conceivably still part of the rescue phase if this is deemed necessary by the coordinating authority
• There may be a "miracle" find of a live victim that is achieved as the structure is delayered or deconstructed
• If the work relates to collapsed structures or rubble pile worksites this work can include:
  • Searching or making access into every possible void
  • All the USAR skills listed in Level 4
  • Delayering of large elements to allow access to all parts of the structure or rubble pile
  • Working with heavy machinery, e.g., cranes and demolition equipment, to achieve this access

Complete command and control of the worksite is essential

Carried out when and by who

• This is usually done after the rescue phase
• This level is not normally carried out by international USAR teams
• Usually done by the LEMA resources for their own body recovery purposes
• International USAR teams can be asked to undertake this task where area clearance and body recovery is a high priority
• Some international teams may do this, and some may not, each team will make their own decision

INSARAG tools

• Worksite triage form
• Worksite report
• Worksite marking system
• Victim extrication form

Outputs

• Completed worksite reports
• Marking of worksites
• Completed victim extrication forms

ASR level 6 – Total coverage search and rescue

Definitions and purpose

• This level can also apply to areas where building collapse is less or absent, but USAR skills are needed for access or safety to enable complete clearance of all possible victims. In this case the operations will include:
  • Systematic search of every room of every structure in the assigned area of operation
  • This operation should quickly clear relatively large areas
  • If necessary forced entry is used to gain access to all areas
  • Heavy machinery may occasionally be needed to clear smaller rubble piles
• This may specifically be for deceased victim location/recovery
• The rules of assignment (brief) must detail what teams do if they locate a live or deceased victim, e.g., call in other teams or stay and deal with it themselves

Full control and coordination are needed with detailed recording by the teams of the exact areas they have cleared.

Carried out when and by who

• LEMA resources usually do this, but international USAR teams may be asked to do this in some circumstances

USAR teams may or may not decide to move to this phase of work based on various factors e.g., other rescue possibilities, capacity of teams at the event, policy of the team, mandate from sponsors, etc.

INSARAG tools

• Victim extrication form if necessary

Outputs

• Report on the work carried out as agreed with the UCC/OSOCC/LEMA
• Maps of areas cleared as part of reporting results

Appendix B: Acronyms

ASR

Assessment, search and rescue

BoO

Base of operations

GPS

Global Positioning System

ICS

Incident command system

IMS

Incident management system

INSARAG

International Search and Rescue Advisory Group

LEMA

Local emergency management authority

NFPA

National Fire Protection Association

OSOCC

On-site operations coordination centre

PS

Public Safety Canada

RDC

Reception/departure centre

TFL

Task force leader

UCC

USAR coordination cell

USACE

United States of America Company of Engineers

USAR

Urban search and rescue

Date modified:

2025-08-11