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National USAR Coordination Structure

Coordination is the process of organising resources to work effectively and efficiently together. Implementing Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) coordination facilitates the optimal use of available resources to save lives from collapsed structures and identify the need for additional resources. The results are intended to provide life-saving services to the affected population.

USAR Coordination Key Actors​

The National Response Framework should establish a standardised method for controlling and coordinating all forms of emergency response. It should present a common hierarchy so that responders from various agencies can manage an incident using the same organisational structure across the country.

LEMA
Utilises USAR coordination resources as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the USAR resources related to the disaster; oversees response resources; receives situation and resource reports from USAR coordination; may assign priority tasks to USAR.

NDMA (National Disaster Management Agency)
Crucial in managing significant emergencies. This agency may need to contribute to integrating international emergency services.

USAR Coordination
Reports to the LEMA responsible for the disaster; provides a USAR SME assessment of USAR needs (ASR); prioritises work sites; assigns USAR assets; sectorises the disaster area if not completed by the LEMA; establishes USAR sector coordination based on needs and the available resources; requests additional resources (such as extra USAR assets, fire engines, heavy equipment, etc.) from LEMA if not already assigned to the USAR sector.

USAR Assets (units,teams)
Perform ASRs, perform search and rescue operations at worksites based on capability; report to USAR coordination or USAR Sector coordination.

Elements of National USAR Coordination​

In addition to the considerations for the individual phases, two other necessary tools for coordinating USAR teams are assessing the operational situation and sectorisation. If these two measures are implemented consistently, more people can be rescued at the same time using the same personnel and material resources. These considerations must be made before an emergency situation occurs.

Assessment​

Assessment is fundamentally crucial for coordinating USAR operations. This involves evaluating the operational situation. The following should be prepared for this:

  • Qualification of the persons carrying out the operation
  • Forms for structured implementation and reporting of the recorded data
  • Definition of different assessment levels
  • Definition of evaluation criteria
  • Identify potential areas of application, such as hospitals or schools
  • Collect data about the operational area

The results establish a foundation for an ASR1 assessment in accordance with INSARAG guidelines. One assessment outcome should be the sectorisation of the potential operational area.

Sectorisation​

Sectorisation of the affected areas may be necessary to ensure effective coordination of USAR operations by improving the span of control. Sectorisation improves operational planning, more efficient allocation of USAR teams, and overall incident management. The size and number of sectors depend on the level of resources and needs of the affected area, the volume of work, the geographical area and characteristics, the scale of the operation, and other factors. If necessary, the respective sector coordinators can subdivide the sectors into sub-sectors.

The basis for sectorisation can be established in advance by the competent authorities. A known grid can be flanked more quickly with operational measures. The following measures should be taken in preparation:

  • Identify possible sector boundaries (e.g., rivers, major roads, county boundaries, etc.)
  • Identify critical infrastructure in the possible sectors (e.g., schools, hospitals, etc.)
  • Collecting population data (population size, density, vulnerability, etc.)

If sectorisation is carried out effectively, emergency services can use it to identify and assess work sites more efficiently.

Management System​

To align the documents and procedures within a unified framework, it is advisable to implement a management system. The benefits may include the following:

  • Structure and Organisation: A management system provides a clear structure that defines processes and responsibilities within the organisation. This fosters transparency and helps to prevent misunderstandings.
  • Goal Orientation: It facilitates the definition and pursuit of organisational goals. A management system enables organisations to ensure that all team members work towards common objectives, increasing efficiency and productivity.
  • Risk Management: An effective management system allows for identifying and assessing potential risks. By taking a proactive approach, organisations can reduce the likelihood of risks occurring and enhance their ability to respond effectively to unexpected challenges.
  • Quality Management: A management system encourages the continuous improvement of operational capabilities.
  • Compliance with Legal Requirements: It is also important to note that operational teams are subject to specific legal and regulatory requirements. A management system enables organisations to adhere to these requirements and mitigate legal risks.
  • Improved Efficiency: By standardising processes and implementing best practices, organisations can improve efficiency, optimise resource utilisation, and reduce costs.
  • Member Engagement: A well-implemented management system promotes member engagement by providing clear guidelines and objectives, which can lead to higher motivation and job satisfaction.
  • Sustainability: Management systems can also help to promote sustainable practices by integrating environmental and social considerations into the organisation’s activities strategy. Overall, a management system is an indispensable tool for increasing an organisation's performance, managing risks, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. It helps ensure the organisation's long-term success.

Benefits of Integrating incoming National USAR Resources through Coordination​

The LEMA can make faster decisions to align with objectives, priorities, resources, and key messages, thereby implementing the most effective means to support these goals. This can be achieved by:

  • Registering all resources, including USAR resource types (light, medium, heavy), plus conventional fire, vehicle accident, hazardous materials and emergency medical assets to have the total picture of resources available
  • Operationally matching the resources to the priorities and objectives
    • This includes combining smaller resources, such as local light USAR resources, with other light teams to create a larger capacity for specific priorities and objectives.
    • Assigning medium and heavy USAR teams to specific priorities and objectives best suited to their capacity
    • Distributing the conventional fire and emergency medical resources to support USAR operations
  • Supporting the Planning cycle for the operational periods to:
    • Record objectives and priorities completed
    • Identify and pass on updated objectives, priorities and key messages
    • Identify the need to increase, decrease or redistribute resources
    • Receive reports and data from teams, as well as brief teams
    • Direct information management collection and distribution
  • Supporting logistics by:
    • Best method of communication (cell, satellite, etc.) and posting contact numbers
    • Determining fuel resupply locations and how to arrange delivery or pickup
    • Determining BoO locations for local, regional USAR assets
    • Sanitation pickup and coordination
    • Transportation asset coordination
    • Coordinate heavy equipment (loaders, cranes, etc.)