The message from Istanbul was that we were not needed elsewhere and the following morning of the 21st we returned to Istanbul to meet up with the other contingent from the UK Fire Service Search and Rescue Team and the International Rescue Corps. Overnight accomodation was found close to the British Consulate in Istanbul from where we all returned to Heathrow in the evening of the 22nd August.

During the rescue operation the UK deployment carried out three rescues and responded to between 150-200 requests for search assistance.

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Activities of Dr Ian McNeil

UKFSSART

Dr McNeil's prime responsibility was the health and welfare of the UKFSSART personnel. One primary importance was the maintenance of adequate fluid intake, the temperature being 40°C. This involved regular checks on the fluids intake of all personnel and the encouragement to drink fluids when intake was poor. Additionally a very strict line was taken on protection from the sun with insistence that hats and shirts were worn at all times.

 

In addition a close watch on the physical health of all rescuers was maintained so that rest was taken when necessary. It was necessary to advise the team commander after 36 hrs of ceaseless activity that the personnel, and himself, were in danger of doing themselves harm. As a result he withdrew the teams for rest and recuperation. It was necessary on occasion to insist that men took rest breaks and meal breaks such was their zeal in the rescue effort.

A close watch was also maintained on the emotional state of the team. During the deployment three men were counselled about stress and anxieties that they were feeling about the situation.

Food and personal hygiene were also a concern however it was evident that the men were well briefed and did not require guidance in this area.

A number of "paramedical skills" were available from the teams. It was clear however that the skills of some were in the circumstances more theoretical than actual and it was necessary to brief them on the principles of triage in mass casualty situations. A close liaison was maintained with these men who were keen to learn the principles.

In addition to the actual treatments and advise given Dr McNeil was available to immediately treat any serious injury to the team, this thankfully was not required.

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Care of local populous

Dr McNeil was often approached by locals for general health advice and support. This was given freely. Treatment to a Turkish soldier with laceration was given and an impromptu blood pressure clinic for the locals was held in Aiden Kent. All blood pressures were remarkable low!.

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Care of rescued

Dr McNeil was involved with one "live rescue". This was of a lady in her late sixties who was buried in the ground floor of a building that had collapsed its six stories above her. Dr McNeil was required to enter the rescue tunnel to monitor and advise on the urgency of rescue prior to extrication and was on hand to supervise the final handling of the extrication. The lady was then treated with an IV infusion, splintage and handed over to the Ambulance service for transport to hospital.

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Care of the dead

Dr McNeil was required to confirm the death of large numbers of causalities both in situ and after removal from the buildings. On a number of occasions he was requested to dismember bodies for ease of extrication. This he did not in fact agree to do as on each occasion the access to the body was almost impossible and the degree of dismemberment too great.

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Rescue effort

When not involved in the above tasks Dr McNeil was able to assist by fetching and carrying equipment, and by digging in the rubble and penetrating buildings with his Fire Service colleagues or helping with vibraphone and heat seeking cameras. Additionally general camp-side chores were done.