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
Global Overview of the IEC Teams
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Heavy IEC Teams = 22
Medium IEC Teams = 13
Non-Classified Teams =
53
Teams to be classified in
2014-15 = 12
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
Some of the Concerns:
4. Budgetary Concerns
- Training and
- Additional Staffing
5. Privacy
Issues
Future
•
Hurdles (initially ?)
• New technologies that will bring about
improving effective life saving work
cannot be ignored!
THANK YOU