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Rescue Classifier

Tasks

Main tasks

  • Assess the rescue capabilities and capacity of the organisation being classified to ensure compliance with the minimum standards as defined in the INSARAG Guidelines and IEC/R checklist.
  • To coach IEC/R classifiers-in-training

Detailed tasks
Before IEC/R:

  • Maintain familiarity with the INSARAG Guidelines Volume 4, specific to Rescue
  • Be proactive in maintaining their personal knowledge of USAR equipment, techniques and procedures, relative to their area of expertise.
  • Review the Portfolio of Evidence and give comments relative to Rescue to the IEC/R team Leader.
  • Review the IEC/R Report specifically the Advisory Notes.
  • Address queries to the IEC/R team Leader for clarification.

During IEC/R:

  • Prior to the exercise, gain an understanding of the parameters and objectives of the exercise relating to Rescue operations.
  • Check the exercise site and timetable to ensure that the exercise will provide sufficient opportunity for the team being classified to demonstrate compliance with the IEC/R checklist.
  • Observe all the component parts of the rescue process and check these against the requirements listed in the IEC/R Checklist.
  • Interact with members of the team being classified to determine competence and compliance against the requirements listed in the IEC/R Checklist.
  • Be open-minded to techniques and procedures other than your own – questions to ask include:
    • Does it effectively accomplish the task in a timely manner?
    • Are safety principles maintained?
  • Continually review the safety of participants and be prepared to request the exercise controllers to temporarily stop or restrict operations until the issue is corrected.
  • Document all observations and communicate these to the IEC/R team Leader.
  • Contribute to and participate in the presentation of the Interim Report.

After IEC/R:

  • Contribute to the Final Report.

Qualification

Requirements
Generic:

  • Member of a classified USAR team.
  • Maintain a close relationship with the INSARAG network through participation in meetings, exercises and other activities.
  • Sponsorship from donor country or organisation, prepared to support the IEC/R process.
  • Have time available to prepare for a Classification.
  • Be available for deployment lasting at least 5-6 days.
  • Have a significant level of understanding of INSARAG Guidelines and INSARAG methodology and its application.
  • Be a subject matter expert (SME) in their specific area of expertise.
  • English: good oral and written knowledge.
  • Physically fit: capable to work around the clock in adverse conditions (i.e. on a rubble pile or in a demanding environment).
  • Have an awareness of the hazards and risks of the USAR environment and the personal safety and mitigating actions required.
  • Have international operational experience.
  • Basic ICT skills and operation of GPS and radio.
  • Have the ability to function within a group and demonstrate strong interpersonal skills. Specifically:
    • Able to Communicate.
    • Able to Cooperate.
    • Possess Negotiation skills.
    • Able to Resolve Conflict.
    • Impartiality.
    • Objective and neutral.
    • Politically and culturally aware.

Specific:

  • Experienced Rescue Manager or Technician who can demonstrate:
    • Detailed understanding of Rescue operations, tactics and safety considerations.
    • Knowledge and understanding of a variety of rescue tools, techniques, their safe use and maintenance.
    • Knowledge and understanding of how to break, breach and remove reinforced concrete floors, walls, columns and beams, using clean and dirty techniques.
    • Knowledge and understanding of how to construct mechanical and timber shoring systems.
    • Knowledge and understanding of how to stabilise building components using a variety of cribbing and wedges.
    • Knowledge and understanding of hot cutting techniques to be able to cut different types of metal, structural steel and reinforcing bar.
    • Knowledge and understanding of confined/retricted space operations.
    • Knowledge and understanding of how to lift, rig and move heavy loads using manual and mechanical techniques.
    • Knowledge and understanding of technical rope rescue operations.
    • Understanding of all team functions as they relate to rescue.

Roles and Responsibilities

Obligations

  • Submit a comprehensive and up-to-date CV or biography to the INSARAG Secretariat.