West Sussex Fire Brigade/Search & Rescue Turkey Section 4

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TURKISH EARTHQUAKE - AUGUST 1999

A Report by Divisional Officer Simon Webb WSFB

Turkish Earthquake:- Contd

Conclusions

The deployment of the United Kingdom Fire Service Search and Rescue Team was carried out swiftly and efficiently, the first contingent arrived in Turkey within 22 hours and the second within 48 hours of the earthquake.

Once deployed in Turkey the teams had a limited timeframe to be effective in pure search and rescue terms, and within that timeframe the teams worked extremely effectively.

The two contingents consisting of five teams each plus a Doctor and Dog Teams. With local assistance the Teams carried out between 150-200 searches of affected buildings and rescued 3 persons.

The whole operation was carried out with only minor injuries to personnel, the health, safety and welfare of personnel was paramount.

This type of operation will always present challenges, however the equipment and logistics employed worked effectively.

Recommendations

To the National Team

1. Command & Control

Where possible on any overseas deployments the Incident Command System (ICS) is introduced to ensure adequate control of operations. To facilitate this some form of initial or forward command pack is provided.

2. Equipment

To ensure that the equipment and logsitics are adequate and to prevent over provision of equipment, it is suggested that a small working party looks at the issue of equipment provision.

West Sussex Fire Brigade Search and Rescue Team

1. Structure of Team

The structure and responsibilities of the team are reviewed taking into account both the operational and managerial responsibilities.

2. Equipment

The disposition and storage of equipment be reviewed.

3. Sponsorship

Appropriate sponsorship of the team should be progressed.

4. Medical

A supply of suitable medical equipment and drugs should be held by arrangement with the team doctors and local pharmacists.

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