UK INTERNATIONAL SEARCH AND RESCUE
Ready to deploy. Ready to Respond.
The UK Government’s specialist international search and rescue capability, responding to sudden-onset disasters around the world.
ABOUT UK ISAR
For more than 30 years, UK ISAR has responded to international disasters on behalf of the UK Government.
Funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the team brings together highly trained personnel from 14 UK Fire and Rescue Services, supported by specialist medical teams, structural engineers, veterinary professionals and other technical experts.
UK ISAR is built for rapid response and can mobilise within hours of being requested, deploying people, equipment and specialist capability wherever international assistance is needed.
OUR CAPABILITY
UK ISAR provides specialist search and rescue capability in complex and challenging disaster environments.
Our teams bring together a wide range of skills, including technical rescue, search, medical support, structural assessment, canine search, command and coordination, communications and logistics.
UK ISAR deploys as a self-sufficient team, capable of operating alongside national authorities and international partners from the moment the team arrives.
UK ISAR AROUND THE WORLD
Explore our interactive map to discover the countries and locations where our team have deployed, trained, exercised and worked alongside the international search and rescue community.
News
UK ISAR Hosts International Advanced Timber Shoring Course
UK ISAR hosted an international specialist training course in Merseyside in August, bringing together experienced urban search and rescue (USAR) professionals from around the world. The International Advanced…
Developing Timber Shoring Capability Across UK ISAR
UK ISAR team members have strengthened their timber shoring skills following a week-long specialist training course at the National Resilience Centre of Excellence in Merseyside. The course, held…
New INSARAG Guidelines Now Available
The newly endorsed INSARAG Guidelines are now available. These guidelines provide the latest internationally agreed standards, methodology and guidance for Urban Search and Rescue teams operating within the…
Venezuela Deployment – June 2026
UK ISAR Completes Successful Deployment to Venezuela UK ISAR teams have safely returned to the UK following a deployment to Venezuela in response to the devastating earthquakes that…
