NZ USAR Capabiity in 2001

Te Rakau
Whakamarumaru
Urban Search and Rescue in

New Zealand:
Establishing an Integrated Capability
Report by the Implementation Plan Steering Committee
August 2001
USAR in New Zealand – Establishing an Integrated Capability 2
Urban Search and Rescue in New Zealand:

Establishing an Integrated Capability
Contents
Page No.
Executive Summary 3
1. Introduction 5
1.1 The Context of USAR
1.2 Background
1.3 Scope of This Report
2. The Current Capability 7

2.1 Trained Individuals and Teams
2.2 Additional Specialist Skills
2.3 Specialist Equipment
2.4 Other Agencies
2.5 Management of Capability
2.6 Conclusions
3. Risk Context, Objectives and Needs 9

3.1 Risk Context
3.2 Proposed USAR Objectives
3.3 The Needs
4. Recommended Minimum USAR Capability Elements 11

4.1 Resources Required to be Developed
4.2 Inter-agency Training and Standards
4.3 Integrated Response Mechanisms
4.4 Co-ordinating Structure
5. Process for Developing an Integrated USAR Capability 14
6. Funding Principles and Requirements 15

6.1 General Principles
6.2 Funding Requirements
7. Summary and Recommendations 16
Appendix A – USAR Training Categories and Qualifications
000483/IPR06CE August 2001

Executive Summary
Urban Search and Rescue (or USAR) involves the location and rescue of people trapped following a
major structural collapse. This situation could arise from a single building or bridge collapsing, or as
the result of a major earthquake.
While New Zealand has not experienced a major structural collapse in recent times, the nature of the
natural hazards we face in conjunction with the built environment is such that a capability to address
both small incidents and large emergencies is considered necessary.
This report presents recommendations for a multi-agency operational framework for urban search
and rescue in New Zealand which is considered appropriate for the nature of risk.
This report concludes that currently there are limited and unevenly spread USAR resources which
are not capable of systematically addressing anything more than a minor structural collapse. It is
however apparent that the basic elements from which a capability can be built are present.
Objectives for a Minimum USAR Capability

The Steering Committee recommends the following set of minimum capability objectives for USAR
in New Zealand:
To provide necessary resources and management structures to be able to:
1. Carry out all rescue operations associated with a single-site structural collapse using NZ
resources
2. Undertake all rescue operations at a multi-site structural collapse using NZ and international
resources
3. Prioritise and undertake rescue operations in a regional scale disaster using NZ and
international resources
With regard to the second and third objectives, it is essential that the framework developed by this
project enables full integration of international rescue teams with the NZ rescue efforts.
The Recommended USAR Components

The recommended USAR components can be summarised as:
• Three specialist USAR units capable of undertaking heavy structural rescue operations
over extended periods of time (located in Palmerston North, Christchurch and Auckland)
• General Rescue teams associated with each Civil Defence Emergency Management
Group that are specifically trained as first responders in a structural collapse situation
• Access to international USAR teams, and mechanisms in place for their deployment
• Inter-agency training and standards consistent with international standards
• Response mechanisms for USAR that will enable the local teams and national units to be
integrated with local emergency services
• Appropriate co-ordinating structures at national and local levels to implement the
necessary arrangements and monitor currency

The provision of high quality and readily accessible USAR training to volunteer local rescue team
members and USAR Unit members alike is seen as being fundamental to the development of a
sustainable USAR capability. While the General Rescue courses run in New Zealand provide a
comprehensive knowledge of emergency response processes and light rescue techniques, structural
collapse issues are essentially not addressed. Moreover, some of the specialist skill groupings
needed for USAR do not currently participate actively in General Rescue training.
Funding Requirements
The additional funding over and above current budgets that is necessary to create and maintain the
minimum capability outlined in each of the key areas above has been assessed by the Steering
Committee as being approximately $1.5 million per year.
This amount is relatively uniform over future years given the significant element of training and
exercising. Approximately 50% of this amount would be applied to training, standards and
exercises. Approximately 35% would be applied to establishing and maintaining the specialist units.
Local supporting and monitoring functions would need to be supported financially by the CDEM
Groups. This is seen as being consistent with their role for other aspects of rescue as outlined in the
Civil Defence Emergency Management Bill.
It is further recommended that the national resources and functions be funded through a single
purchasing agent.

1. Introduction
1.1 The Context of USAR

Urban Search and Rescue (or USAR) involves the location and rescue of people trapped following a
major structural collapse. This situation could arise from a single building or bridge collapsing, or as
the result of a major earthquake.
USAR is carried out in situations of extreme danger where the risk of further collapse of part or all of
the structure is high. There will be loss of life and large numbers of casualties, including horrific
injuries. Survivors are likely to be trapped in very small spaces, and breathing apparatus may be
needed due to the lack of oxygen.
Overseas experience is that up to 80% of people initially trapped in a major structural collapse can be
rescued using surface-based methods. The remainder require the application of specific heavy
rescue skills and techniques.
Even for those involved in rescuing the lightly trapped survivors, specific training in assessing the
risks posed to victims and rescuers is essential.
While the General Rescue courses run in New Zealand provide a comprehensive knowledge of
emergency response processes and light rescue techniques, structural collapse issues are not
addressed. Moreover, some of the specialist skill groupings needed for USAR do not currently
participate actively in General Rescue training.
1.2 Background
In November 2000, an initial scoping report entitled Planning the Future of Urban Search and
Rescue in New Zealand was produced. The report concluded that:
• There are limited and unevenly spread trained resources in each of the fundamental USAR
capability categories.
• There is no management structure to link resource elements together, or to integrate them
within emergency management mechanisms.
• No one agency is mandated with the responsibility, therefore a multi-agency approach is
needed which can build on existing resources.
A multi-agency Steering Committee was established to prepare this report. Members of this
committee were:
Lynda Angus (Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management)
Jim Dance (NZ Fire Service)
Paul Brennan (NZ Police)
John Ayling (NZ Ambulance Board)
Mark Boere (Hastings District Council - Local Government New Zealand nominee)
John Fisher (Environment Canterbury - Local Government New Zealand nominee)
David Brunsdon (Project Co-ordinator, NZ Society for Earthquake Engineering)

1.3 Scope of This Report

This report presents recommendations for a multi-agency operational framework for urban search
and rescue in New Zealand which is considered appropriate for the nature of risk.
The current USAR capability is summarised in Section 2. The risk context and proposed objectives
are presented in Section 3, with the recommended elements for an integrated capability outlined in
Section 4, including the structures and management mechanisms. The suggested process for
developing a national capability is described in Section 5, and the required funding arrangements are
summarised in Section 6.

2. The Current USAR Capability
A survey of sectors and organisations was undertaken to identify which teams and individuals have
achieved recognised USAR qualifications. The three international categories of USAR training are
summarised in Appendix A, noting that New Zealand standards for USAR have yet to be written.
2.1 Trained Individuals and Teams

Specialist Training
Currently, the only people in New Zealand with formal USAR training are the twenty-two personnel
from the partially operative Palmerston North USAR Unit. The majority of these are NZFS
personnel. The lack of a mandate for the Fire Service to be specifically responsible for USAR has
led to this unit being inadequately resourced, and it currently has only limited capability.
Experience from overseas situations is that several specialist teams working in successive shifts
represents a minimum functional capability for a structural collapse rescue operation.
The Mines Rescue Trust operates teams at Rapahoe, Reefton, Huntly and Ohai. While not trained to
USAR standards, these teams are trained to specific mines rescue standards involving the use of
specialised equipment, and have practical experience in such situations. Their focus is however on
mines work, and although willing to assist in an emergency, their teams are not available for
specialist USAR training and exercising in the absence of funding for this. The cost of their
deployment in non-mine rescue operations is also not provided for.
General or Local Rescue

Local rescuers are the vital first responders to a structural collapse situation, and represent a
significant contingency capability that this project is seeking to develop. However, very few of the
volunteer-based local community rescue teams currently have specific training or experience in
USAR. Their training focus to date has typically been on general Civil Defence rescue which does
not equip people with the knowledge and skills to carry out technical rescue over an extended period
of time.
There is also an uneven distribution of general rescue teams across the regions, with Auckland and
Wellington having few operational and co-ordinated teams.
2.2 Additional Specialist Skills

The principal additional specialist skill areas associated with USAR are search dogs, paramedics and
structural engineers.
Search Dogs
At present there are understood to be no search dog teams that have achieved a recognised USAR
rescue qualification.
There are however estimated to be 20-30 search dog and handler pairs located throughout New
Zealand that could potentially achieve minimum structural collapse standards if appropriate
resourcing and structures are put in place.

Paramedics/ Doctors
Paramedics are typically employed by the various ambulance services – land and air – to provide an
advanced level of stabilisation and life support prior to evacuation and transport to definitive care.
Specific training and experience in USAR is not a feature of their general capability, although an
experienced paramedic would be capable of maintaining life in a hostile area once access and
stability had been secured. Some services have specialised teams of paramedics who are competent
at retrieval and recovery from areas where there is immediate access.
It must be noted that in a major structural collapse involving substantial numbers of seriously injured
people, all available paramedics may be committed to managing the scene and attending to the
injured.
Structural Engineers
No New Zealand-based engineers currently have specific training or direct experience in providing
specialist advice for the technical rescue process. Moreover, there are no established arrangements
for engineers and the emergency services to engage together in training activities of any kind.
2.3 Specialist Equipment

Limited items of specialist USAR equipment are currently held in New Zealand. These include only
one trapped person locator and one laser concrete cutter. These and other major items of equipment
are however currently owned by several different agencies and located in different regions. Key
items such as thermal imaging cameras are in many cases not modern equipment.
2.4 Other Agencies

The operational constraints of the Ministry of Defence requires that they be regarded only as a
specific needs resource on a case-by-case basis.
Their role would principally be one of logistical support rather than as a frontline rescue resource, as
their personnel would not be able to commit to the necessary training and exercising for USAR
(apart from individual members who may be specifically involved with USAR Units).
2.5 Management of Capability

There is no one agency currently mandated or capable to fund, co-ordinate and manage the
integrated multi-agency resources and activity process required for an effective USAR response.
2.6 Conclusions
It is concluded that there are limited and unevenly spread USAR resources which are largely
incapable of addressing anything more than a minor structural collapse.
It is however apparent that the basic elements from which a capability can be built are present.

3. Risk Context, Objectives and Needs
3.1 Risk Context

In considering the context of the risk of structural collapse in New Zealand, consideration must be
given to both small incidents and large emergencies.
The prime example of larger scale emergencies is of course earthquake. Recent studies have
identified that there is a 65% probability of the Alpine Fault rupturing in the next 50 years. Such an
earthquake is likely to produce very strong shaking in locations close to the Southern Alps. In
particular, locations such as Arthur’s Pass, Otira, Mount Cook, Queenstown and Franz Josef will be
seriously affected. Hokitika and Greymouth will also be strongly shaken. While the predicted
shaking intensities are generally less on the east coast, such an event will be stronger than any other
earthquake experienced in the last 100 years. Collapse of a number of poorer quality buildings can
be expected in Christchurch.
More quantified estimates of earthquake casualty numbers have been developed for the Wellington
Fault event as part of a study for the Wellington Regional Council. A daytime fault event is
estimated to cause building collapses that would entrap approximately 750 people, with more than
20 sites requiring specialist rescue efforts. The probability of this event occurring over the next 50
years is estimated to be 10%.
At the opposite end of the scale, single-site structural collapses do occur on a frequent basis, most
commonly as a result of landslide effects. The existing NZFS USAR Team at Palmerston North has
been called out four times since it was established in 1994.
New Zealand has yet to experience a significant structural collapse involving either a large building
or a sudden landslide affecting several smaller structures. The risk of either situation is ever-present,
particularly given the increasingly spread of urban development and modification of older structures.
NZ’s Risk Context

Single collapse
A few collapses
Multiple
likelihood
structural
•Impact collapse
•Structural collapse
•landslip
•Landslip
•Distant or
moderate earthquake
•Urban earthquake
•Overwhelming earthquake
consequence

3.2 Proposed USAR Objectives

Having regard to the risk context outlined in Section 3.1, the Steering Committee proposes the
following set of minimum capability objectives for USAR in New Zealand:
resources
resources
3.3 The Needs

While NZ currently does not have an effective USAR capability, it is considered that a multi-agency
capability can be developed provided that appropriate resources are applied and a specific
organisational structure is established.
Accordingly, the principal USAR needs can be summarised as:
• Specialist USAR units capable of undertaking heavy structural rescue operations over
extended period of time
• Appropriate co-ordinating structures at national and local levels

4. Recommended Minimum USAR Capability Elements
This section describes the various USAR capability elements that the Steering Committee considers
necessary to meet the minimum capability objectives proposed in the previous section. The
recommended operational frameworks and co-ordinating structures are also outlined.
4.1 Resources Required to be Developed

Specialist USAR Units
• Three self-contained USAR units capable of undertaking heavy structural rescue operations
over extended periods of time using specialist equipment available as a national resource
• Located in Palmerston North, Christchurch, Auckland, and based on existing emergency
service resources that are to be specifically trained and are available on a standby basis
• Likely to be (but not necessarily) co-ordinated and led by NZFS
• Each comprising a minimum of 24 team members trained to USAR Technician level (Category
2); Unit Team Leaders trained to USAR Manager level (Category 3)
• Each unit supported by a minimum of two structural engineers and two search dog teams
(based in proximity to the Unit Headquarters and trained to USAR Technician level).
• USAR units to be self-sufficient for an initial period of 72 hours
Local General Rescue Teams Specifically Trained for USAR
• Local rescue teams qualified and trained in USAR

• In most cases these teams would be existing local rescue units with specific additional training
(team members trained to USAR Responder level (Category 1); team leaders trained to USAR
Technician level). However the number of teams would have to be built up, particularly in
Auckland and Wellington
• Teams co-ordinated and monitored by the CDEM Group in each region
• Supported by local structural engineers and search dog teams trained to at least USAR
Responder level
Other NZ Supporting Teams & Resources
• Mines Rescue Teams – additional resources in major collapse situations with specific skills
(confined spaces and contaminated environments)
• Defence Forces – logistical support on a case-by-case basis
Access to International USAR Teams

• Arrangements in place to
- request international USAR Teams in accordance with International Search &
Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) procedures
- receive and host international teams (border controls and government agency
protocols understood by all agencies, logistical support)

4.2 Inter-agency Training and Standards

• Unit standards that are consistent with other national and international rescue unit standards.
• Developing integrated standards and sustainable training arrangements that encourage
individuals to achieve appropriate qualifications and actively participate in training.
• Refer to Appendix A for the proposed USAR Qualifications Progression.
4.3 Integrated Response Mechanisms

The integrated response mechanisms necessary for an effective USAR response include:
• Activation of both local and national USAR teams by local emergency services and/or
emergency management agencies. National USAR Units and local teams designated by
CDEM Groups are to have agreed and practised mobilisation target times.
• Local teams as first responders
• Site control maintained by local agencies under the Co-ordinated Incident Management
System (CIMS)
• Logistical support for local and national USAR teams established and maintained by CDEM
Groups.
• Additional specialist resources such as paramedics, search dog/handlers and structural
engineers to be available in each region.
• Notification of INSARAG through MCDEM if the scale of the incident requires international
rescue teams as an additional resource.
The diagram below represents the operational relationship between the Incident Controller, Local
Resources and the USAR Units.
Incident Controller
Local Resources (First Responders in each region)

• CD rescue teams (Cat.1 USAR Responders (led by
Cat. 2))
• Emergency Services
• Local paramedics, engineers, search dogs
USAR Units (Follow-up Resource)

• Unit 1, 2 or 3 (Cat 2 USAR Technicians
(led by Cat 3))
• Specialist technique & resources

4.4 Co-ordinating Structure

The development and co-ordination of the USAR capability elements outlined above requires
appropriate structures at both national and local levels. At the national level, a multi-agency USAR
Advisory Committee is proposed. Locally, the monitoring of the preparedness and development of
local USAR teams would be the responsibility of the CDEM Groups, along with providing logistical
support for teams in the field.
The following table indicates the recommended functions and roles of the USAR Advisory
Committee, along with the specific working committees, and those of the CDEM Groups.
Principal Functions & Roles
USAR Advisory • Ensure appropriate levels of funding obtained for the various elements,
Committee and distribution to appropriate agencies
• Monitor national USAR capability (across USAR Units and CDEM
Groups)
• Overseeing and co-ordinating the work of the Working Committees
Working Committees
1. Inventory & Resource • Maintain national resource database
Database
2. Training & Standards • Ensure the development and delivery of USAR Unit Standards that are
co-ordinated with other rescue unit standards
3. International Liaison • Maintenance of international linkages to ensure access to international
teams (including border control clearance and initial deployment)
4. Response Processes • Develop a framework under which national units exercise in conjunction
with local teams
CDEM Groups Establish and maintain appropriate CDEM Group functions/processes to

support the local USAR response teams, including:
• Monitor the capability and currency of local USAR teams
• Co-ordination of local training
• Facilitate multi-agency exercising to ensure practical experience and
interfacing with CIMS
• Provide logistical support for local and national teams in the field
consistent with national guidelines
It is recommended that the USAR Advisory Committee comprises as a minimum representation

from MCDEM, NZ Fire Service, NZ Police, NZ Ambulance Board and LGNZ.
Representatives would be appointed to the Working Committees as appropriate, including those

from other organisations involved in the rescue process.

5. Process for Developing an Integrated USAR Capability
The table below summarises the key actions to be followed over the forthcoming financial years in
order to develop an integrated USAR capability.
Action Comments Proposed Time Frame
1. Establish National USAR Principal initial tasks include: Establish Committee in 2001;
Advisory Committee and • Provide overview to complete initial tasks by the end
Working Committees development of USAR of the 2001/02 financial year
Qualifications and programme of
training courses (including
training objectives)
• Production of guidelines for
CDEM Groups in establishing
and monitoring local USAR
capability
• Formalising procedures
externally with INSARAG for
mobilising international USAR
teams and internally with all
involved government agencies
2. Prepare guidelines for Includes agreement on response By end of 2001/02 financial

developing and maintaining processes and the development of an year
a USAR capability at both agreed exercise programme.
local and national level
3. Inform CDEM Groups of Provide planning frameworks and By end of 2001/02 financial
the local USAR processes tools year
and objectives
4. Preparation of unit Provision of USAR training material By end of 2001/02 financial

standards for Category 1, and instructor capability to each year
and local instructor training CDEM Group
underway
5. Restoration of current Process underway via NZFS budget By end of 2001/02 financial
Palmerston North USAR year
Unit to fully functional
status
6. Create the second and third Depends upon the receipt of During the 2002/03 and 2003/04
USAR Units in appropriate funding. financial years.
Christchurch and Auckland
The specific actions and time frames for establishing an integrated USAR capability will depend on
the level of acceptance of the recommendations contained in this report.

6. Funding Principles and Requirements
6.1 General Principles

The establishment of an integrated USAR capability to meet the minimum capability objectives
listed in Section 3.2 requires additional funding currently beyond the budget of any individual
agency.
The key areas where specific funding over and above existing provisions is required are:
(1) Establishment and maintenance of the three USAR Units

(2) Development of appropriate unit standards, accreditation (Yellow card) and revalidation
(3) Delivery of co-ordinated training that is accessible to all USAR resources ranging from USAR
Unit members to local volunteers
(4) The facilitation of multi-team and multi-agency exercises to ensure an appropriate level of
process familiarity for national and local teams
(5) Support/ co-ordination structures that will operate across the different organisations
6.2 Funding Requirements
The additional funding over and above existing budgets that is necessary to create and maintain the
exercising. Approximately 50% of this amount would be applied to training, standards and exercises
(items 2, 3, 4) above. This funding component is intended to make Category 1 USAR training
available to local volunteer rescue teams that wish to be trained as first responders in structural
collapse situations. This training would be provided by CDEM Group Rescue Instructors at no direct
cost to local volunteer members of these teams. This funding is also intended to cover the ongoing
assessment and revalidation, plus the opportunity for local teams leaders to participate in Category 2
training.
The provision of high quality and readily accessible training to volunteer local team members and
USAR Unit members alike is seen as being fundamental to the development of a sustainable USAR
capability.
Approximately 35% of the level of funding sought would be applied to establishing and maintaining
the specialist units (item 1).
The local supporting and monitoring functions outlined in Section 4.4 would need to be supported
financially by the CDEM Groups. This is seen as being consistent with their role for other aspects of
rescue as outlined in the Civil Defence Emergency Management Bill.
purchasing agent.

7. Summary and Recommendations
While New Zealand has not experienced a major structural collapse in recent times, the nature of the
natural hazards we face in conjunction with the characteristics of the built environment is such that a
capability to address both small incidents and large emergencies is considered necessary.
This report concludes that currently there are limited and unevenly spread USAR resources which
are not capable of systematically addressing anything more than a minor structural collapse. It is
however apparent that the basic elements from which a capability can be built are present.
Recommendations for the development of a minimum USAR capability by building upon these
existing rescue elements are presented.
Objectives for a Minimum USAR Capability

The Steering Committee recommends the following set of minimum capability objectives for USAR
in New Zealand:
resources
resources
The Recommended USAR Components

The recommended USAR components can be summarised as:
• Three specialist USAR units capable of undertaking heavy structural rescue operations
over extended periods of time (located in Palmerston North, Christchurch and Auckland)
• Appropriate co-ordinating structures at national and local levels to implement the
necessary arrangements and monitor currency
The provision of high quality and readily accessible USAR training to volunteer local rescue team
members and USAR Unit members alike is seen as being fundamental to the development of a
sustainable USAR capability. While the General Rescue courses run in New Zealand provide a
comprehensive knowledge of emergency response processes and general rescue techniques,
structural collapse issues are essentially not addressed. Moreover, some of the specialist skill
groupings needed for USAR do not currently participate actively in General Rescue training.

Funding Requirements
The additional funding over and above current budgets that is necessary to create and maintain the
exercising. Approximately 50% of this amount would be applied to training, standards and
exercises. Approximately 35% would be applied to establishing and maintaining the specialist units.
Local supporting and monitoring functions would need to be supported financially by the CDEM
Groups. This is seen as being consistent with their role for other aspects of rescue as outlined in the
Civil Defence Emergency Management Bill.
purchasing agent.

Appendix A
USAR Training Categories and

Qualifications

Appendix A: USAR Training Categories and

Qualifications
A1 Training Categories
There are three categories of training for personnel involved in USAR operations. These are:
• Category 1: Surface Search and Rescue
There are two sub-categories used in New Zealand - Category 1: Awareness and
Category 1: Responder.
Category 1: Awareness is structured around the NSW/ ACT Category 1 CD-ROM course
that introduces the first responder to simple surface techniques at a structural collapse. It
is desirable that all agencies be capable of training to this level.
While Category 1: Responder includes the above, it is assessed for competency against a
NZQA unit standard. In addition, Category 1: Responders also require competency-
based training and assessment in the Co-ordinated Incident Management System (CIMS),
comprehensive first aid, and general rescue techniques.
It is desirable that CDEMGs be capable of maintaining a local resource of USAR

Response Teams trained to this level to support Category 2 USAR Units.
First responders to a structural collapse incident trained to Category 1 would begin

operations by carrying out limited debris removal and rescuing surface and lightly trapped
causalities.
• Category 2: Surface and Below Debris Search and Rescue
At this level personnel need to be capable operators of the specialised equipment,

proficient in all aspects of USAR work, including recognition of hazards and cribbing and
shoring techniques.
Category 2 operators are specialists who are trained in:
• Technical search and rescue of trapped victims.
• Atmospheric monitoring of voids prior to and during rescue operations.
• Shoring and stabilisation of collapsed and partially collapsed structures.
• Calculating the safe working limits for various cribbing and shoring necessary to
render structures safe.
• Cutting, shoring, breaching, void penetration and tunnelling.
• Emergency medical field care for collapse/confined space casualties.
• Decontamination procedures prior to exiting the site.

• Category 3: USAR Management
Category 3 personnel are trained USAR Unit managers, with knowledge of both Category
1 and 2 operations and skills. It is important to note that Category 3 USAR Managers are
responsible for the management of the USAR Unit, not necessarily the incident.
A2 USAR Qualifications
The proposed progression of USAR qualifications within the National Qualifications

Framework is summarised in the table below:
Role
Awareness USAR Responder USAR Technician USAR Manager
USAR Awareness
(Assessed) Basic CD Skills Advanced CIMS
Skills
Awareness CD Rom First Aid Compulsory Skills & Operations Management

CIMS Specialist Strands General Management
General CD Rescue
CAT
1 2 3
NZQA unit standard Industry Certificate in National Certificate in
Qual
USAR (Responder) National Diploma

available, but not USAR (Technician)
(Level 2 as option) in USAR
compulsory. Level 4
Card*
USAR USAR USAR

RESPONDER TECHNICIAN MANAGER
* And Level of Capability
It is proposed that a “Yellow Card” be established for the Responder, Technician and
Manager categories. Modelled on the National Rural Fire Authority’s “Red Card”, the
purpose of this card is to provide an instantly recognisable statement of a rescuer’s level of
proficiency.
Skills within Yellow Card certification shall be NZQA Unit Standard based where possible.
FRSITO is to be the Standard Setting Body in partnership with LGITO and PSTO. All three
stakeholder ITOs are to be authorised to issue the USAR Yellow Card.

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Te Rakau

Urban Search and Rescue in

Report by the Implementation Plan Steering Committee

Urban Search and Rescue in New Zealand:

2. The Current Capability 7

3. Risk Context, Objectives and Needs 9

4. Recommended Minimum USAR Capability Elements 11

5. Process for Developing an Integrated USAR Capability 14

6. Funding Principles and Requirements 15

7. Summary and Recommendations 16

Appendix A – USAR Training Categories and Qualifications

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

Objectives for a Minimum USAR Capability

To provide necessary resources and management structures to be able to:

The Recommended USAR Components

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

1.1 The Context of USAR

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

1.3 Scope of This Report

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

2. The Current USAR Capability

2.1 Trained Individuals and Teams

General or Local Rescue

2.2 Additional Specialist Skills

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

2.3 Specialist Equipment

2.4 Other Agencies

2.5 Management of Capability

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

3. Risk Context, Objectives and Needs

3.1 Risk Context

NZ’s Risk Context

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

3.2 Proposed USAR Objectives

To provide necessary resources and management structures to be able to:

3.3 The Needs

Accordingly, the principal USAR needs can be summarised as:

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

4. Recommended Minimum USAR Capability Elements

4.1 Resources Required to be Developed

Local General Rescue Teams Specifically Trained for USAR

• Local rescue teams qualified and trained in USAR

Other NZ Supporting Teams & Resources

Access to International USAR Teams

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

4.2 Inter-agency Training and Standards

4.3 Integrated Response Mechanisms

Local Resources (First Responders in each region)

USAR Units (Follow-up Resource)

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

4.4 Co-ordinating Structure

Principal Functions & Roles

CDEM Groups Establish and maintain appropriate CDEM Group functions/processes to

It is recommended that the USAR Advisory Committee comprises as a minimum representation

Representatives would be appointed to the Working Committees as appropriate, including those

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

5. Process for Developing an Integrated USAR Capability

Action Comments Proposed Time Frame

2. Prepare guidelines for Includes agreement on response By end of 2001/02 financial

4. Preparation of unit Provision of USAR training material By end of 2001/02 financial

000483/IPR06CE August 2001

6. Funding Principles and Requirements

6.1 General Principles