|
|
|
|
|
10 March 2023
|
Hong Kong rescue squad prepares for classification as medium USAR team
The commander of the Hong Kong Search and Rescue (HKSAR) team said they have in last year applied for the squad to be classified as a medium Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team of the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), with relevant classification work expected to be completed within two years. Speaking to a radio programme, Commander Yiu Men-yeung, also the deputy chief fire officer of the Fire Services Department, said the team has undergone 36 hours of continuous training each year to simulate overseas rescue scenarios.
He said the team’s equipment and rescue techniques have reached world-class and the team has to be vetted by expert classifiers from overseas before they attained the medium USAR team classification from the UN.
Meanwhile, commenting on the team’s rescue mission in Turkey, Yiu noted it was the first time the SAR's rescue team has cooperated with China's crew, which he said was a precious experience. He also likened it to an intern learning from a well-experienced senior.
He recalled during their mission in Turkey, there was poor public order and the team heard gunshots from time to time and witnessed shops being looted. However, he said local authorities have sent soldiers to protect the team during their mission.
Yiu also said they were proud when local residents recognised the team was from Hong Kong.
The Turkey mission was the first time Hong Kong had taken part in an overseas rescue mission, with 59 SAR rescuers returning from Turkey after saving four people.
Sources: The Standard
He said the team’s equipment and rescue techniques have reached world-class and the team has to be vetted by expert classifiers from overseas before they attained the medium USAR team classification from the UN.
Meanwhile, commenting on the team’s rescue mission in Turkey, Yiu noted it was the first time the SAR's rescue team has cooperated with China's crew, which he said was a precious experience. He also likened it to an intern learning from a well-experienced senior.
He recalled during their mission in Turkey, there was poor public order and the team heard gunshots from time to time and witnessed shops being looted. However, he said local authorities have sent soldiers to protect the team during their mission.
Yiu also said they were proud when local residents recognised the team was from Hong Kong.
The Turkey mission was the first time Hong Kong had taken part in an overseas rescue mission, with 59 SAR rescuers returning from Turkey after saving four people.
Sources: The Standard