Cases of collapsed building in developing countries has become a major killer and has become so common that whenever such an incident occurs, the common comment is a sigh accompanied by words like ‘Not Again’ a sign of desperation. Many lives and property have been lost however the situation could have been different if the first responders were equipped with knowledge, skills and basic equipment. Time is always of essence during search and rescue operation.

Success of urban search and rescue depends on effectiveness of First Responders who are a very effective means of getting help to people in areas where no organized rescue structure exists, as well as areas where any rescue response may be delayed. This is primarily based upon the recognition that rescue of more than 50% of all survivors following a disaster of this type is undertaken by local resources.

USAR awareness training is a training designed to empower first responders with requisite skills to effectively conduct initial urban search and rescue in accordance with NFPA 1410 and 1670 standards on training for initial emergency scene operation and standards for operation and training of technical search and rescue incidents. The training also take into account guidelines from International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

Objective of training:
This training is designed to equip participants with basic urban search and rescue skills in understanding the general hazards associated with structural collapse incidents including the recognition of applicable construction types and categories and expected behaviour of component materials in structural collapse.

Course outcome: At the end of the training participant will achieve the following:
a. They will be able to recognize and assess potential conditions at a structural collapse incident as well as identify the resources required to effectively conduct safe and effective structural collapse search and rescue operation.
b. They will learn procedures for conducting visual and verbal searches at structural collapse incidents.
c. They will learn how to integrate community based response into organized County emergency services or national emergency services.
d. The training will enable participants to organize rescue volunteers onsite providing leadership and direction to the local community and comfortably fit into Incident Command System structure.
e. The participants will be equipped with basic first aid which will include best practices in conducting triage.
f. Participants will be equipped with basic vehicle extrication skills.

Course duration: This awareness training will be covered within five (5) days.
Training prerequisite:
The training requires participants to have basic understanding of English both written and oral.
Who will benefit from this Training: This training is highly recommended for the following persons:
a. Existing local emergency services
(1) Local police officer.
(2) Paramedic.
(3) Fire fighter.
(4) County government worker.
(5) Member of volunteer organisation.
b. Community responders.
c. Average citizen who may volunteer to join a group established specifically for the purpose of first response (Community Emergency Response Team).