Reclassified as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue Team on 30th November 2023
INSARAG EXTERNAL RECLASSIFICATION (IER) NOVEMBER 2023
In November 2023, after years of meticulous preparation, dedication, and sheer commitment, the UK International Search and Rescue team achieved remarkable success in Geneva, Switzerland. The culmination of extensive efforts led to the successful completion of the INSARAG External Reclassification, marking a pivotal moment in the team’s history.
RECLASSIFIED AS A HEAVY TEAM
The United Nations has officially reclassified UK ISAR as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)Team, recognising the team’s capabilities, expertise, and readiness for responding to complex and challenging disaster scenarios.
TESTIMONIAL
Russ Gauden, the National Coordinator of UK ISAR and the team leader of the IER exercise, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements. He stated,
“The UK ISAR team has successfully completed its 4th test in 30 years and is reclassified once more. What makes this very special is that once again, UK ISAR stand on top of the world, achieving green status across the board with only 4 amber areas out of the 164 point check list.”
UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS
The achievement goes beyond reclassification; it signifies an unparalleled performance that showcases UK ISAR as a premier international search and rescue team. The team’s proficiency has not only set new standards but has also demonstrated to the world the exceptional capabilities of UK ISAR.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND APPRECIATION
Russ Gauden extended his gratitude to the entire UK ISAR team, from the Exercise Control and Direct Staff involved in building the exercise to the Capability Team and every member of the deployed team during the INSARAG External Reclassification.
Russ Gauden emphasised the special recognition given by the classifiers to the team’s uniqueness and the inspiration drawn from their dedication during the reclassification exercise. The team’s commitment to digging deeper into policies, procedures, and actions left a lasting impression, reinforcing UK ISAR’s reputation as an outstanding and elite search and rescue team.
UK ISAR Triumphs in Geneva: A Visual Journey through Success

2016 RECLASSIFICATION

In 2016, The UK International Search & Rescue Team not only retained its global accreditation under UN search and rescue guidelines, which we must achieve every five years, but we also came back with top honours from the United Nations and European Union-backed event, having recorded the highest-ever global pass mark.

A hurricane scenario tested teams from Spain, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the UK. It also provided the platform for a UN team to assess the UK’s response capability.
The team called on their wide-ranging search and rescue skills including heavy lifting, dog searches, coordination of international teams, communications, and logistics.