ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR USAR TEAM OPERATIONS
- A specialised Search and Rescue (USAR) Team for construction disasters in the Nairobi metropolitan area, consisting of 60 firefighters, was formed by PCPM in partnership with local partners: Nairobi and Kiambu Counties and Chief Fire Officers Association Kenya.
This is a pioneering team in East Africa, and the sole team of this type spanning from North Africa to South Africa,
- Established USAR Framework Working Group to develop administrative and legal framework necessary for USAR Team operations as part of the project.
USAR DRILL YARD AND EQUIPMENT
- Constructed a specialised Search and Rescue training yard, the first in East Africa. This training facility encompasses Search and Rescue & Shoring Training Area, Rubble Training Area and Breaching & Trench Rescue Area.
- The USAR team was equipped with USAR Personal Protective Equipment and specialised equipment valued at 110,000 USD.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
- Specialised training in structural collapse rescue and structural collapse shoring and excavation safety was conducted for USAR 2 subteams of 40 firefighters from both Nairobi and Kiambu counties: Alpha and Bravo. The aim of the training was to prepare the team for effective search and rescue operations in line with the UN INSARAG (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group) standards.
- A Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process for the assessment of vocational qualifications was organised for the USAR team members. The standardisation and certification of skills constitutes an important element of national accreditation for the USAR team.
