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Host Nation Support

National Coordination Mechanism for Receiving International Assistance​

The overarching principle of international USAR assistance is that it supports and augments the LEMA and the national response capacity of the affected country.

A well-established national coordination mechanism is essential for effectively managing and receiving international assistance during emergencies. This mechanism enables the affected country to respond swiftly and manage incoming international support by optimising national processes such as customs clearance, logistical assistance, and coordinating relief efforts. Effective coordination reduces delays, enhances resource allocation, and ensures that international teams integrate seamlessly into national operations.

One key benefit of such a coordination mechanism is the enhanced interoperability between international and national response teams. It helps prevent potential legal, logistical, and administrative barriers that may obstruct the provision of aid. Furthermore, it provides a clear communication structure that aligns local and international actors, improving the overall response to disasters.

Each country should develop accessible coordination tools, such as diagrams, schemes, or factsheets that outline its HNS system. These tools should specify important aspects, including entry points, command and coordination structures, and the roles of involved actors. Providing international teams with this information beforehand will reduce operational challenges and enhance cooperation. Posting these tools on widely accessible platforms like the VOSOCC or the INSARAG website would further improve transparency and preparedness, fostering smoother collaboration during international emergency assistance.

By requesting classified teams, the requesting/receiving country automatically accepts eligibility for these teams to practice USAR medical services.

Refer to the Oslo Guidelines for further information.

Responsibilities of the Host Nation Government​

This section outlines the key stakeholders involved in HNS, their respective responsibilities, and the critical roles they play in facilitating international assistance during emergencies. It also emphasises the importance of building capacities within these stakeholders to manage incoming assistance effectively.

The host nation's government is responsible for coordinating and supporting international relief efforts. Key stakeholders usually include national civil protection agencies, customs authorities, transportation services, and local emergency management agencies. Their roles may include:

  • Civil Protection Agencies: Responsible for overall coordination, including integrating international teams into national response efforts and ensuring interoperability with local operations.
  • Customs and Border Control: Facilitates the quick clearance of incoming aid and relief teams and their equipment and consumables, medical substances included, by expediting customs procedures, waiving duties, and ensuring minimal delays.
  • Aviation Authorities: Facilitates the use of drones during USAR operations.
  • Health Authorities: To authorise temporary permission to practice USAR medicine.
  • Logistics and Transport Authorities: Ensure smooth logistics, including transport, or provide a pre-established resource list of transport providers for incoming teams and equipment from entry points to the disaster site. Assist teams with acquiring items such as fuel and oxygen cylinders.
  • LEMA: Serve as the operational link between the host nation and international teams, ensuring that all relevant information is conveyed and support is delivered on-site.

Building capacity within these stakeholders is crucial for the effectiveness of the HNS system. This involves continuous training, preparation through simulations, and promoting collaboration between governmental and non-governmental entities. By enhancing the skills and resources of the stakeholders, the Host Nation ensures that international aid can be received, processed, and deployed with minimal delays, contributing to a faster and more efficient disaster response.

Stakeholders who are well-prepared enhance operational readiness and bolster the country's strategic resilience in addressing future emergencies.

Host Nation Logistical Support to International USAR Operations​

Given the logistical challenges associated with international teams providing USAR support, additional items from the host nation will likely be necessary to maximise their effectiveness. These requests could be posted on the VOSOCC before arrival, conveyed at the RDC during initial meetings with the LEMA, or submitted through ICMS (once USAR coordination has been established). Consequently, strengthening capacity in the following areas will aid disaster response.

  • RDC, UCC and BoO locations: Identifying potential sites for establishing an RDC, UCC and the BoO locations of the responding international teams before a disaster will likely streamline activities following the disaster.
  • Transport Arrangements/Vehicles: International USAR teams are likely to need transport from their arrival point to the BoO location and subsequent worksites.
  • Heavy lifting machinery and cranes: Access to heavy lifting machinery, such as cranes and other earthmoving equipment, will enhance the responding USAR teams' heavy lifting capabilities.
  • Fuel for generators and rescue tools: Due to the stringent restrictions on air transport, rescue teams are unlikely to arrive with fuel, which must be procured locally.
  • Compressed gases: Cylinders containing compressed gases (e.g., oxygen) are restricted on commercial flights, so they will need to be procured locally.
  • Timber/wood: USAR Teams do not travel with wood and will, therefore, be required to procure it locally to construct shores (structural supports) for damaged buildings.
  • Interpreters, local guides and drivers: USAR Teams will most likely require these services, which must be procured locally.
  • Shelter, food, water, and hygiene: INSARAG classified teams are required to be self-sufficient in these areas; however, non-classified teams may require assistance in these areas.

Pre-planning in the areas above will improve deployment efficiency during a disaster response.

INSARAG classified teams should be self-sufficient in terms of water, food, and shelter. However, non-classified teams may require assistance in these areas. Moreover, interpreters, local guides, and drivers are likely to enhance the capabilities of the supporting teams.