INSARAG Recognized National Accreditation Process (IRNAP)
The IRNAP certifies that a member state’s national USAR system aligns with INSARAG Guidelines. It ensures high-quality national response, interoperability with international teams; and results in a 10-year certificate of endorsement, valid for 10 years.
Key Aspects of IRNAP
- Process Overview: The process requires a self-evaluation, followed by an administrative audit of documentation and a field exercise assessment.
- Verification Methodology: A team of mentors/assessors uses a color-coded checklist (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) to evaluate compliance with standards.
- Recognition: Upon successful completion, INSARAG grants formal recognition, allowing the national authority to certify its own teams.
- Benefits: It provides a structure for capacity building and ensures national teams are trained to international standards.
IRNAP serves as the national counterpart to the INSARAG External Classification (IEC) for international teams, fostering a seamless transition between local and international assistance.
First Responder Training
Building the first tier of local capacity involves the training and development of existing local emergency services and community responders to meet the needs of the affected population at the onset of the incident. Termed ‘USAR First Responders’, their role at the initial phase of an incident is:
- Assess the nature and scale of the incident.
- Rescue and Basic Casualty Care in the initial stages of a collapse incident.
- Provide Information to domestic decision-makers about the event.
- Request for Resources required to successfully complete the rescue phase
First Responder Networks would be most effective in areas where no organised USAR capability exists, as well as areas where any USAR response from structured teams may be delayed. It is envisaged that USAR First Responders will typically be personnel working in the local community or staff of local government organisations tasked with emergency management or response. For example; local police, medical staff or fire-fighters, government workers (including civil protection) or members of volunteer organisations.
Community Responder Training
Capacity Building Assessment Mission
A USAR Capacity Building Assessment Mission aims to identify existing capacities and determine the required capacities according to the country’s USAR objectives. This provides an indication of the gaps between the current capacity and the required capacity which in turn assists in defining the USAR capacity development strategy.
The INSARAG network provides unique access to a pool of experienced, qualified USAR experts that are able to conduct an assessment of existing capacity, mapped against needs and who are then able to assist with the design and subsequent implementation of USAR Capacity Development initiatives.
To submit an assessment request, please contact Secretariat Focal Point Haruka Ezaki at
haruka.ezaki@un.org