International Operations Preparedness (IOP) Course April 2026
April 7, 2026
UK ISAR has successfully delivered its second International Operations Preparedness (IOP) course of 2026, continuing its commitment to strengthening readiness for overseas deployments. The course is designed to build a comprehensive understanding of the expectations placed on personnel operating in international disaster response environments. Blending structured classroom input with realistic, scenario-based exercises, the programme equips […]
Ukrainian Emergency Responders Train in Merseyside to Strengthen Disaster Response
March 27, 2026
Across February and March 2026, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training & Development Academy hosted a series of specialist international training programmes delivered by UK ISAR, welcoming representatives from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. The programme focused on strengthening urban search and rescue capability while reinforcing international cooperation at a time when operational demands […]
UK ISAR and Georgian USAR Team Strengthen Capability Through Joint Training Mission in Georgia
March 23, 2026
UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) travelled to Georgia in March 2026 to deliver a seven-day joint training mission with the Georgian Urban Search and Rescue team (GEO-01). The programme marked the first collaboration of its kind between the two teams and the first time UK ISAR has delivered its accredited International Operations Course […]
UK ISAR Delivers USAR Coordination Cell course (UCC)
March 3, 2026
In March 2026, UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR), supported and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), hosted a Urban Coordination Cell (UCC) course at the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Training and Development Academy. The course, known as the Urban Coordination Cell course, brought together operational teams and specialist personnel […]
UK ISAR International Timber Shoring Course – February 2026
February 23, 2026
In February 2026, UK ISAR hosted the International Timber Shoring Course at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training & Development Academy, welcoming rescue professionals from across Europe and beyond for an intensive and highly practical week of training. The course was delivered in line with the methodology of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group […]
International Operations Preparedness (IOP) Course
February 3, 2026
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 […]
UK ISAR Strengthens Global Readiness Through Cold Weather Training in Sweden
January 25, 2026
In January and February 2026, personnel from UK ISAR undertook intensive Cold Weather Search and Survival Training in Sweden, strengthening the organisation’s capability to operate effectively in extreme winter environments. The training was delivered across two separate five-day courses, allowing multiple team members to gain specialist experience in prolonged sub-zero conditions. The courses provided participants […]
DEFRA Module 3 Water & Flood Rescue Technician Course
November 20, 2025
UK ISAR team including our USAR Medical Team (UMT) recently completed DEFRA Module 3 Water & Flood Rescue 5 day Technician Course in Gwynedd. The course was supported and funded by FCDO and combined classroom theory with practical exercises in moving water to enhance team readiness for flood and swiftwater incidents. Course Overview The Module 3 […]
UK ISAR Water Purification Course
November 4, 2025
Members of UK ISAR recently took part in the UK ISAR Water Purification Course, held in Quatford, Shropshire. The course, funded and supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), is designed to develop essential skills in the testing, storage, and delivery of safe drinking water during international deployments. This specialist training ensures personnel […]
Exercise Merlion 4 – Singapore Civil Defence Academy
October 7, 2025
The UK ISAR team recently participated in Exercise Merlion 4, a deployment exercise hosted at the Singapore Civil Defence Academy in Singapore. The scenario simulated the deployment of a medium USAR team responding to a major earthquake, with the added challenge of operating in extreme heat and humidity. The exercise aimed to ensure UK ISAR […]
Exercise Merlion 4 – Singapore Civil Defence Academy
October 7, 2025
The UK ISAR team recently participated in Exercise Merlion 4, a deployment exercise hosted at the Singapore Civil Defence Academy in Singapore. The scenario simulated the deployment of a medium USAR team responding to a major earthquake, with the added challenge of operating in extreme heat and humidity. The exercise aimed to ensure UK ISAR […]
UK ISAR Attends Taiwan National Disaster Agency Annual Mobilisation and Earthquake Exercise
September 17, 2025
Team members from UK ISAR attended the Taiwan National Disaster Agency (NDA) Annual Mobilisation and Earthquake Exercise between 17–20 September 2025. A seven-person team, led by National Coordinator and Team Leader Russ Gauden, participated in the large-scale exercise, which simulated a magnitude 8.5 earthquake and tsunami scenario. The event was designed to test the capabilities […]
UK ISAR Exercise Kinverstan 7 – Staffordshire Deployment
September 9, 2025
Earlier this month, UK ISAR hosted its latest deployment exercise, Kinverstan 7, across a variety of sites in Staffordshire. The exercise brought together members from across all 14 UK Fire & Rescue Services alongside canine teams, veterinary support, the USAR Medical Team (UMT), and international delegates from Kenya and Tajikistan. Representatives from the FCDO were […]
Enhancing Readiness: UK ISAR Canine Teams Train in Shropshire
July 7, 2025
In July , UK ISAR conducted a successful canine training course across various sites in Shropshire, designed to maintain and develop the operational readiness of its canine search teams. The training aimed to ensure that all qualified handlers and dogs continue to meet the standards required for deployment, while supporting those progressing through the modular […]
International Operations Crew Leader Course & UK ISAR Safety and Security
June 17, 2025
Location: Shropshire & Staffordshire Two essential UK ISAR training courses delivered back-to-back in the Shropshire and Staffordshire areas. Course Overview The International Operations Crew Leader Course is designed to develop and reinforce participants’ understanding of the Crew Leader role within the UK ISAR framework. This course aligns with national and international standards to prepare personnel […]
Navigation Skills Sharpened in the Cairngorms
June 3, 2025
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, on behalf of UK ISAR, recently delivered a Basic Navigation Training Course in the stunning surroundings of Glen Doll, located within Cairngorms National Park. This remote and rugged environment provided an ideal backdrop for developing essential navigation skills that are critical to operational readiness. The course brought together team members […]
International Timber Shoring Course Marks Major Milestone in Global Collaboration
June 2, 2025
The International Timber Shoring Course, recently held at Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service’s Training & Development Academy, welcomed a diverse cohort of participants — 14 international delegates and 4 national delegates — for a groundbreaking week of technical rescue training. This event marked the first time the course has been delivered on an international scale, […]
Preparing for Deployment: International Operations Prepardness Training
April 30, 2025
UK ISAR recently delivered its International Operations Preparedness (IOP) training in Shropshire—an intensive course designed to ensure that new team members are fully equipped for the demands of international deployment. The training brought together personnel from across the UK ISAR network, including newly inducted team members from the Veterinary and Urban Search and Rescue Medical […]
UK ISAR Flexible Response (Flood) Exercise: Strengthening Disaster Preparedness
March 26, 2025
The Flexible Response (Flood) Exercise concluded on March 28th after three days of intensive training at Woodhouse Park Activity Centre in Bristol. The exercise tested UK ISAR teams in challenging flood scenarios, enhancing their adaptability and operational effectiveness in real-world deployments. Teams engaged in complex rescue operations, establishing operational bases, executing water-based rescues, and maintaining […]
Cold Weather Search & Survival Training Sweden – Mission Accomplished!
January 26, 2025
UKISAR team members have successfully completed intensive Cold Weather Search & Survival Training, reinforcing their ability to operate in some of the world’s harshest environments. The training, held in Sweden, provided participants with first-hand experience of extreme cold conditions while honing their survival skills and search techniques. Throughout the course, team members navigated vast, frozen […]
Successful INSARAG AEME Regional Meeting 2024 in Bucharest
December 13, 2024
A big thank you to our outstanding Romanian hosts at the INSARAG AEME Regional Meeting 2024 in Bucharest! The event was a resounding success, running smoothly and providing ample time for in-depth discussions among participants. The meeting served as a valuable platform for representatives from various countries to come together, address shared challenges, and collaborate […]
INSARAG Training Working Group Meeting
December 13, 2024
Fantastic Week at Merseyfire Training & Development Academy for INSARAG Training Working Group Meeting What an incredible week it has been at the Merseyfire Training & Development Academy, hosting the INSARAG Training Working Group Meeting! This gathering was a great success, filled with productive discussions, strong collaboration, and inspiring progress in the field of Urban […]
USAR Coordination Cell Course at MerseyFire’s Training & Development Academy: Strengthening Global Collaboration
November 4, 2024
The USAR Coordination Cell (UCC) Course recently took place at MerseyFire’s state-of-the-art Training & Development Academy, bringing together participants from eight countries, including team members from UK ISAR. Held from October 28 to November 1, 2024, the five-day course provided essential training in Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) coordination, preparing participants for high-pressure disaster scenarios. […]
Singapore Medium Exercise ‘Merlion 3’
October 5, 2024
UK ISAR has just successfully completed a Medium Exercise in Singapore! This exercise ensured team members are ready to deploy and also allowed newer team members to gain some experience in overseas training. This training focused mainly on operating effectively in challenging heat and humidity while covering all of the following areas: Preparadness, mobilisation, operations, […]
New Equipment Workshop Week – September 2024
September 13, 2024
This week, UK ISAR hosted a New Equipment Workshop Week at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Training and Development Academy! The workshop featured hands-on and theoretical sessions to align with core and specialist competency, this allows UK ISAR team members to refresh their skills with personnel from the wider UK ISAR team. Multiple workshops took place […]
Chainsaw, Windblown Trees Training – July 2024
August 15, 2024
In the aftermath of natural disturbances, trees can become uprooted or windblown, creating complex challenges. For those who work in these demanding conditions, having the right qualifications is essential. This training provides UK ISAR team members with the skills necessary for safely severing root-plates from fully blown stems. This qualification focuses on the technical and […]
Canine Training – July 2024
July 11, 2024
The recent UK ISAR Canine course in Aberdeen focused on ensuring UK ISAR canine teams maintain their high competency standards and deployable status. UK ISAR commend the dedicated handlers and their exceptional dogs for their ongoing commitment.
Crew Leaders – June 2024
June 25, 2024
June 2024 In June the UK ISAR Team ran the first Highfeilds accredited crew leaders course, providing delegates with essential skills in decision-making, leadership, safety, crisis management, communication, health, and mobilization. Furthermore, the course reinforces vital skills for aspiring crew leaders. This included honing abilities in decision-making, leadership, team building, crisis management, mobilization, and much […]
Basic Navigation Training June 2024
June 18, 2024
June 2024 In June UK ISAR ran another basic navigation training course in Glen Doll, Scotland, this provides an excellent opportunity for participants to hone their essential navigation skills in the stunning landscape of Cairngorm National Park. The training covered a range of critical skills required of UK ISAR team members. Exploring the diverse and […]
UK ISAR Management Training 2024
June 2, 2024
July 2024 Following a successful training course in 2023, UK ISAR conducted another management training session at the Union Jack Club in London, targeting all team coordinators and deputy coordinators. This training emphasized the importance of effective communication, teamwork, and coordination under high-pressure conditions. Throughout the program, the UK ISAR Capability Team reinforced its commitment […]
Netherlands Mentoring
May 24, 2024
April 2024 Recently, members of UK ISAR team visited the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Netherlands team in Den Bosch. The visit was aimed at providing support and guidance as the Dutch team prepare for their upcoming International External Reclassification (IER). During their stay, the UK ISAR team offered valuable insights into coordination functions, participating […]
Kinverstan 6 Training Exercise
May 1, 2024
May 2024 During the first week of May, UK ISAR held a training exercise called KINVERSTAN 6. This exercise included 80 UK ISAR team members and focused on practical deployment exercises for heavy teams, covering Base of Operations build (BoO), demobilization, scenarios, and workshops. The Kinverstan 6 exercise also featured essential development workshops covering tool […]
Canine Training – April 2024
April 22, 2024
April 2024 The UK ISAR Canine Team have a rigorous training program, in April the team visited multiple sites across Cardiff including various buildings, and open areas simulating complex environments, ‘affected’ areas as well as urban environments and collapsed structures. From mastering scent tracking to navigating challenging terrains, our canines are trained for every scenario.
Crew Leaders & Operational Commander Training
February 5, 2024
February 2024 The Operational Commander Training aimed to equip the UK ISAR Team Coordinators with essential skills in decision-making, leadership, safety, crisis management, communication, health, and mobilization. Furthermore, the Crew Leaders Course served to reinforce vital skills for both current and aspiring leaders. This included honing abilities in decision-making, leadership, team building, crisis management, mobilization, […]
USAR 1
January 28, 2024
January 2024 In January, USAR 1 was successfully conducted under the guidance of Darren Kyle, UK ISAR Training Instructor &Development Officer. This course provided participants with essential skills, knowledge, and proficiency in USAR procedures and equipment usage. Practical sessions were conducted to cover a range of topics including breaching and breaking, assessment and search techniques, […]
Cold Weather Training – Sweden
January 25, 2024
January 2024 Team members have recently completed a week-long course in Sweden, with a second team following suit immediately after the first. The aims of the course were to expose UK ISAR team members to extreme cold conditions and to train them in personal survival skills and extensive wide area search operations. The course objectives […]
Canine Training – January 2024
January 15, 2024
January 2024 In January, the Canine Team wrapped up a comprehensive 3-day training course. Held in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire. The primary objectives of the course were to uphold or enhance the competency levels ofthe UK ISAR canine teams. These objectives aimed to ensure that qualified teams maintain the necessary skill sets to serve as deployable […]
Assessment & Search Workshops
August 10, 2023
August 2023 UK ISAR Training Instructor & Development Officer, facilitated Search & RescueWorkshops which were hosted at Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Training Centre. The workshops served as a platform to exhibit cutting-edge search equipment, underscoring the team’s commitment to maintaining a consistent state ofreadiness for deployment. The workshops proved to be an overwhelming success, it […]
Dangerous Goods Training
July 4, 2023
July 2023 Members of the UK ISAR team have been undergoing specialised training on the safe transportation of lithium batteries, ensuring compliance with regulations and priotoritising safety in our operations
UK ISAR Management Training
June 30, 2023
June 2023 The UK ISAR management training was aimed at all team coordinators and emphasized the significance of effective communication, teamwork and coordination in high pressure situations. Throughout the training UK ISAR Capability Team reinforced its commitment to maintaining a highly skilled and adaptable team capable of leading successful search and rescue missions and providing […]