UK ISAR has delivered its International Operations Preparedness (IOP) course, designed to increase knowledge and understanding of personal expectations on international rescue operations. The programme prepares personnel for deployment by combining structured theoretical input with practical, scenario-based learning that reflects the realities of operating overseas under INSARAG standards.
Throughout the course, candidates explored six core areas of International Operations Preparedness. These included operating effectively within a Base of Operations (BoO), maintaining health and hygiene standards in challenging environments, ensuring personal readiness and preparation for deployment, applying principles of safety, security and safeguarding, demonstrating cultural awareness when working alongside international partners and affected communities, and managing media and social media responsibilities appropriately while deployed. The training was delivered through an immersive role-play format, enabling candidates to apply learning within realistic operational scenarios.
Assessment was continuous and aligned with INSARAG IER classification principles. Each of the six preparedness areas was assessed using a colour-coded system of red, amber or green.
The course was open to all new members of UK ISAR, including our USAR Medical Team (UMT). Prior to attendance, delegates were required to complete all mandatory safeguarding, security and INSARAG pre-reading requirements, ensuring they arrived prepared and ready to engage fully in the training.
Accommodation was delivered in a field-based environment, with delegates staying in tents and operating using ration packs to replicate deployment conditions. By the end of the programme, candidates had developed a clear understanding of the professional standards, personal conduct and operational expectations required to deploy safely and effectively on international disaster response operations.
