Unmanned Aerial Systems(UAS) in Urban Search And Rescue(USAR) Operations

International Search And Rescue Advisory Group

Field Coordination Support Section (FCSS)

INSARAG Secretariat,

Emergency Services Branch

OCHA Geneva

Scope:

• INSARAG –Who we are, what we do

• USAR and New Technology

• Some Concerns and Conclusion

INSARAG - Creation

INSARAG was established in 1991 following lessons learned in the 1988 Armenia earthquake and major earthquakes previous to that (e.g. Mexico City, 1985)

INSARAG – GA 57/150

• Develop global standards for minimum capacity of international USAR assistance

• Develop standardised procedures for international cooperation and coordination in collapsed structure response

• Improve disaster response preparedness• Promote capacity building in earthquake -prone

countries

Heavy IEC Teams = 22 Medium IEC Teams = 13 Non-Classified Teams = 53

Teams to be classified in 2014-15 = 12

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10

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Global Overview of the IEC Teams

Embracing New Technology?

What some are saying:

• “We do not use the technology outside ... Within …the application is limited.

• We've found it hard to introduce non-offensive drones abroad because of their war-fighting reputation...”

• “We are still exploring its application for both domestic and overseas deployment...”

What some are saying on regulatory issues:

…a regulatory framework for the use of (UAS) being prepared…

>> what is clear is that those who use them will require an Operating Certificate ..

International teams …would be prevented from using (them) in country;

there will be no exemptions available even under emergency conditions.  

We will develop this type of capability sometime in the future, for domestic operations”

Using UAS in (Urban) Search And Rescue:

• Potential for USAR Application and/or• non – Urban Complex Rescue Operations?

OR

Some Considerations :1. Regulations / Standards /Legislation

2. Reputation - (Bad?!)

3. Safety

4. Budgetary Concerns - Training and - Additional Staffing

5. Privacy

Issues

Some of the Concerns:

Future• Hurdles (initially ?)

• New technologies that will bring about improving effective life saving work cannot be ignored!

THANK YOU