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USAR Coordination at National Response Cycle

The deployment of USAR teams has different phases. The International USAR Response Cycle phases can also be transferred to the national framework.

Preparedness​

This phase outlines the preparations needed for the USAR systems. This includes:

  • Training and exercises. These can be:
    • Annual mobilisation exercises
    • Tabletop exercises (TTX)
    • Participation in or the organisation of an INSARAG earthquake response exercise (ERE)
  • Deployment follow-up
  • Updating the standard operating procedures
  • Encompassing the USAR team in the national deployment structures

During this interim period, it is essential to plan the interfaces, reporting channels, and the involvement of other teams. The following documents and procedures ought to be prepared:

  • A training concept incorporating the latest standard operating procedures
  • A process for structured follow-up
  • A review and approval process for new standard operating procedures
  • Networking with other units to harmonise procedures

Two important elements in this phase are monitoring and alerts. Monitoring involves continuously observing the national situation, particularly in the event of damage, and assessing its potential for deployment. One tool for achieving this could be a regular national situation report from a higher-level situation and reporting centre.

An alert aims to inform the teams about an event and, if necessary, convene a management team. The team can then gather and assess further information, which includes monitoring the situation, contacting the authorities in the affected area, and engaging other key partners. To achieve this, it is essential to network with different teams and organisations and establish methods. Based on this information, a decision can be made regarding whether the team will be deployed to the area of operation. Consequently, this stage may represent the transition to mobilisation.

Mobilisation​

The mobilisation phase refers to the period immediately after a disaster occurs. The following points should be prepared for this phase:

  • Notification of availability
  • A confirmation system must be established for each emergency worker within the team
  • A reporting route to potential deployment areas must be established
  • Identifying the team configuration
    • The relevant qualifications must be defined
    • Forms must be created for the structured recording of team data
  • Reporting the capability of the team for the area of operation
    • Comparing the equipment with the requirements for potential missions
    • Recording missing logistical requirements due to restrictions when travelling to the deployment area (e.g. no fuel can be taken along on a commercial flight)
  • Reporting the estimated deployment time
    • Creation of planning tools for calculating the necessary times (average values until the team is assembled, travelling speed on various transport routes, etc.)
  • Plan a reporting head for the staging area. This area is to receive arriving teams, release departing teams, and report to operations management.

Operations​

The operations phase is the active phase for USAR teams in the affected area. Key steps in this phase include:

  • Register and report with the LEMA/NDMA/UCC
  • Carry out USAR operations
  • The phase concludes when the coordinating authority releases the USAR teams

The following documents and procedures should be prepared at a national level:

  • Develop forms for the structured registration of USAR teams
  • Develop forms and reporting channels for registering USAR teams and forward them to the relevant authorities
  • Develop forms and communication channels for reporting to various levels of coordination

Demobilisation​

This phase commences after the conclusion of USAR activities and encompasses withdrawal from the operational area and demobilisation.

  • How is the return journey from the area of operation organised?
  • How do operational units sign out of the operational area?
  • How is the unit’s personnel rehabilitation carried out during demobilisation and upon return?

Post-Mission​

The post-mission phase refers to the time immediately following the return from the mission. During this phase, the team compiles a mission report and analyses the mission data. This phase gradually transitions into the preparation phase.

  • Prepare processes to determine when the team can be operational again for response.
  • Prepare documents for a structured after-action review and any corrective action planning.
  • Prepare a procedure process for material replacement and/or rehabilitation of the cache.

The after-action review is critical for transitioning from the post-mission phase to the preparedness phase. Involving the relevant forces in the after-action review process is essential, even if they are from overseas.