FEMA Releases Search and Rescue Resource Typing Definitions
FEMA has released for final publication and distribution, 8 Search and Rescue resource typing definitions. The guidance contained in these definitions provides a consistent set of minimum criteria for use by the whole community when building, sustaining, inventorying, and delivering capabilities in support of the National Preparedness System (NPS). The Search and Rescue resource typing definitions are:
- Structural Collapse Search Team
- Structural Collapse Search Technician
- Structural Collapse Search Team Leader
- Structural Collapse Rescue Team
- Structural Collapse Rescue Technician
- Structural Collapse Rescue Team Leader
- Urban Search and Rescue Task Force
- Urban Search and Rescue Task Force Leader
FEMA developed these resource typing definitions in collaboration with search and rescue, emergency management and public safety practitioners. These stakeholders suggested guidance for specific overall functions, components, capabilities, and ordering specifications for these resources.
These resource types align with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) by providing a common and standard understanding of the tools and resources needed to sustain, build, and deliver the core capabilities necessary to achieve the National Preparedness Goal. Further, this guidance addresses standardized criteria for requests that are made under a variety of mutual aid scenarios from automatic aid to mutual aid provided through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) during declared disasters.
Resource typing definitions and job title/position qualifications can be accessed using the Resource Typing Library Tool (RTLT). The RTLT is an online catalogue of NIMS resource typing definitions and job titles/position qualifications. The RTLT is publically accessible here: www.fema.gov/national-incident-management-system/resource-management-mutual-aid.
For more information on NIMS and its implementation, visit FEMA’s NIMS website.
Questions can be submitted to the National Integration Center through e-mail at: [email protected].