INSARAG Guidelines

This is a full copy of the INSARAG Guidelines and Methodology handbook.

The INSARAG Guidelines provide guidance for the preparation and deployment of search and rescue (SAR) teams for international disaster response operations to earthquake-prone countries as well as checklists for the minimum requirements of USAR teams envisaged to deploying in international response operations. The INSARAG Guidelines define coordination and cooperation procedures for international and national responders in major disasters.

The following phases are covered:

Preparedness
Activation
Operation
Reassignment/stand-down
Return to home base

In addition, the Guidelines focus on topics of particular concern to any organization that deploys to international emergency response operations. These include background information about the international humanitarian environment and an explanation of the role of the United Nations system (i.e. OCHA and other UN Humanitarian Agencies) as well as the concept for the On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC)