Author: Reem Naim

IRNAP Course for TSG/TRG Experts

The first IRNAP course for Technical Support Group (TSG) and Technical Recognition Group (TRG) experts was held from 12 to 15 April and hosted 19 participating experts from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru, 5 facilitators from Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, observers from Brazil and BHA/USAID and is supported by the INSARAG Secretariat. This was organized by INSARAG’s Americas Regional Group and sponsored by the Secretariat of Risk Management of Ecuador, and carried out at the Training and Specialization Center of Ambato’s Fire Department. This course is the product of several years of hard work and revision and is expected to be replicated in other regions to strengthen their TSG/TRG rosters.

National USAR Coordination Course-Panama

An USAR National Coordination Course was held in Panama from 6 to 10 March. This course aims to strengthen the National USAR system in terms of coordination between the National Civil Protection System and the National USAR response groups. A total of 33 participants from the National Civil Protection System (SINAPROC), the Panamanian Red Cross, the Panamanian Fire Brigade, the Social Security Fund and the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) attended the course.

Preparatory Course for Members of the National Accreditation and Reaccreditation Process for USAR Light Teams – El Salvador

This preparatory course took place from 30 January to 3 February for members of the USAR National Accreditation and Reaccreditation Process in El Salvador. The objective of this course was to strengthen the national capacities of the members of the USAR National Accreditation Process (NAP) and the members of the USAR National Technical Accreditation Committee (CTAN). Overall, this course hosted 25 participants from the General Directorate of Civil Protection (DGPC), the Health Solidarity Fund (FOSALUD), the National Fire Department, the Ministry of Justice, the National Civil Police and the National Academy of Public Security (ANSP).

National USAR Coordination Workshop-Honduras

A theoretical and practical workshop on National USAR coordination was held in Honduras from 24 to 26 January. The objective of the workshop included the review of national USAR coordination protocols/procedures as well as the use of coordination and information management tools available to National USAR groups, and a small-scale Earthquake Response Exercise simulating a 6.5 magnitude earthquake in Tegucigalpa to test national protocols. Participating institutions include the Secretary of State in the Offices of Risk Management and National Contingencies (COPECO), Honduran Fire Department, Honduran Red Cross, Honduran Armed Forces and several observers.

National Accreditation Process Course- Panama City, Panama

The Panama National Accreditation Process Course took place from 12 to 16 December in Panama City. This course is a component of the Disaster Risk Governance Project, financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and organized and implemented by OCHA and UNDP. This course is set to strengthen and align the national system in place to INSARAG´s international standards in preparation for the INSARAG Recognized National Accreditation Process (IRNAP) certification. The course hosted 29 professionals from SINAPROC, the Social Security Fund, National Air and Naval Service (SENAN), National Border Service (SENAFRONT), Panamanian Red Cross, Civil Aeronautics Authority in Panama, and the National Fire Brigade, who will become key members of the Panamanian USAR Accreditation Committee, including mentors, evaluators and members of the verification exercise control team.