Verbal report.
Minutes:
The Chief Fire Officer introduced Group Manager Mark Warwick and Crew Manager Lindsay Sielski who had been invited to provide a presentation to Members on the UKs International Search and Rescue Team (ISAR) deployment to Southern Turkey which had been discussed at the last meeting.
GM Warwick advised that Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) had been a member of UK International Search and Rescue (ISAR) for a number of years and had been deployed to many countries to provide humanitarian support to unexpected disasters.
This incident was a quick, same day deployment to Turkey following a huge earthquake on the morning of 6 February 2023. The team consisted of 77 firefighters from across the UK, 4 dogs, structural engineers and medical teams. There were around 6,000 ISAR personnel attending from across the world to help, working alongside local people who provided intelligence and aid.
LFRS had 6 firefighters who were part of the UK ISAR team. These volunteers were vaccinated, had undergone rigorous and ongoing training (on processes and equipment) to gain specialist knowledge and skills to operate in hazardous conditions and were available to respond at short notice on behalf of the Government Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. For example, CM Sielski’s specialist role was the management of the canine team.
GM Warwick advised that on arrival the team set up base, electronic communications were down and moving around the collapsed buildings and rubble was a challenge. In addition, Turkey continued to be hit by thousands of after-shocks with risk assessments needing to be fluid.
CM Sielski advised that she co-ordinated the national canine response and she had chosen the 4 strongest dogs (which included Davey who was present at the meeting). On arrival, senses were overwhelmed by dust and people in disarray. The dogs were a great asset and did not let the team down. They were able to cover large areas of ground which reduced the risk to firefighters, and they were able to find signs of life to provide those searching with information to assist with digging locations. They did sadly find a number of bodies however, on his first day, Davey undertook 40 searches including the successful extraction of a survivor shown by the media.
GM Warwick advised that Lancashire received calls from the families and friends of those who were trapped. Unfortunately, overall there have been over 60,000 fatalities and 130,000 people injured with over 18 million people affected by the disaster.
GM Warwick expressed his pride in the UK ISAR team and advised that a member of the team had recently been deployed to East Africa.
In response to a question raised by County Councillor Singleton regarding any communication barriers, CM Sielski advised that the predominant language used was English alongside the use of interpreters. She paid tribute to one interpreter who had an understanding of search and rescue, had empathy when speaking with local people and had translated for the team. Undoubtably support from these unsung heroes helped to find people alive.
In response to a question raised by County Councillor Hennessy, CM Sielski advised that sites for training were difficult to find however, as the UK ISAR team was Government funded it was possible to travel to sites across the country to re-create realistic training for example in rubble piles, disused buildings and woodlands.
In response to a further question raised by County Councillor Hennessy, CM Sielski advised that although it was a hot, dusty and difficult environment for the dogs there was a vet available at the base, the dogs wore paw protectors and saw their searches as play.
The Authority applauded the efforts of the highly motivated and dedicated ISAR teams.
Resolved: That the report be noted.