Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Training
USAR Training
Australian States and Territories have the capability to deploy competently trained personnel to any USAR incident. This capability is achieved through providing responders with three levels of specialised training, USAR Categories 1, 2 and 3, which focus on initial and on-going skills maintenance.
USAR Category 1 – Surface and rescue
Category 1 training is directed at the rescue and removal of surface (lightly trapped) casualties by the first responder. This includes basic search techniques such as carrying out limited debris removal, occupational health and safety, an appreciation of specialist equipment and techniques and the ability to work as a part of a team. It is considered desirable that all agencies be capable of training to this level.
USAR Category 2 – Surface and below debris Search and Rescue
Category 2 training is directed towards search and rescue of trapped victims. At this level USAR personnel need to be proficient in all aspects of USAR work, including recognition of hazards, the ability to locate and remove trapped victims, operation of specialised equipment, and undertaking structural triage, shore, crib, cut core into concrete and masonry.
This course requires a prerequisite of completion of Category 1 training.
USAR Category 3 – USAR management
Category 3 training is intended for personnel who are trained USAR taskforce leaders. This training is directed at the command, control and management of a USAR taskforce.
This course requires a prerequisite of completion of Category 1 and 2 training.
USAR Engineers
USAR operations may often require the advice, skills and services of engineers to better ensure the safety of both the victims of a structural collapse and the personnel engaged in the resultant search and rescue tasks.
The USAR Engineer training framework supports the development of a regional and
national capability of engineers to deal with minor and major building collapses. The training is intended to help participants go beyond their normal office based experiences and gain familiarity with the demanding nature of rescue operations.
There are two levels of training for engineers intending to engage in USAR operations.
Level 1 USAR Engineer Training
Level 1 training is designed for professional engineers to enable them to operate on the outer perimeter (only) of a structural collapse site. It provides awareness of the issues associated with working alongside emergency services personnel. Engineers with this level of training may provide advice to USAR personnel without entering the incident ground.
A person seeking to undertake Level 1 USAR Engineer Training must be a graduate engineer with relevant professional experience (normally in structural or geotechnical engineering or construction).
Level 2 USAR Engineer Training
Level 2 USAR Engineer Training is designed for professional engineers to be able to operate within a structural collapse site to assess overall structure and element stability.
A person seeking to undertake Level 2 USAR Engineer Training must be a chartered professional engineer (structural and/or geotechnical) who has completed USAR Level 1 Engineer and Category 1 training (this has not been determined yet and is a discussion point for the course).
If you are interested in knowing more about USAR training please contact your local State and Territory USAR representative.