Urban disasters such as earthquakes, building collapses, and explosions demand specialized response skills, teamwork, and precision. The Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) program by BREDO Pakistan trains responders to locate, extricate, and provide immediate assistance to victims trapped under collapsed structures or confined spaces. This program adheres to the INSARAG Guidelines (United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group) and is aligned with the operational frameworks used by UN–OCHA, NDMA, and Rescue 1122. Our mission is to strengthen Pakistan’s local response capacity and align community-level teams with international disaster-response standards.
By completing this program, participants will be able to:
I | Conduct systematic search and rescue operations in collapsed or confined environments |
II | Understand and apply building assessment and hazard identification |
III | Use mechanical and manual tools for cutting, lifting, and breaching |
IV | Establish safety zones and manage rescue logistics |
V | Perform victim triage and first aid on site |
VI | Coordinate with local emergency and command systems |
VII | Operate within international humanitarian coordination frameworks (INSARAG / UNDAC) |
Module | Topics Covered | Format |
Module 1 | Introduction to USAR & Disaster Typology | Lecture + Case Study |
Module 2 | Safety, Risk Assessment & Team Organization | Simulation Exercise |
Module 3 | Building Structures & Collapse Patterns | Technical Demonstration |
Module 4 | Search Operations: Equipment & Canine Coordination | Field Practice |
Module 5 | Rescue Operations: Lifting, Cutting & Breaching | Practical Hands-on |
Module 6 | Victim Stabilization & Evacuation | Medical Drill |
Module 7 | Communication, Command & Control | Tabletop Scenario |
Module 8 | Field Simulation & Evaluation | Full-Scale Exercise |
Duration: 5 Days (40 hours total)
Format: Hybrid — 30% classroom + 70% field training
Language: English & Urdu
Venue: BREDO Rescue Training Facility / Partner Sites
Participants: 25 per batch
I | Rescue service professionals and emergency responders |
II | Civil defense teams & firefighters |
III | NGO humanitarian and disaster management sta |
IV | Local government and municipal officers |
V | Engineering, architecture, or construction safety teams |
VI | University students or volunteers in disaster-risk studies |
Prerequisites:
Basic knowledge of first aid or participation in any BREDO rescue or safety program is preferred but not mandatory.
This course uses a scenario–based approach combining technical instruction, teamwork drills, and full-scale field simulations. Participants operate in controlled environments resembling real disaster sites, including rubble piles, confined spaces, and structural debris, to practice systematic victim location, safe extraction, and medical response.
Instruction includes:
Lead Instructor: Dr. Shahab Ali Patel
DRR and Hazard Management Expert
Associated with AKAH, UN Pakistan, and SBSA, Dr. Shahab Ali Patel is a seasoned specialist in disaster risk reduction and hazard management. With extensive experience in national and international resilience initiatives, he has contributed to projects focused on community safety, risk assessment, and sustainable disaster preparedness across Pakistan.
Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a USAR Level-1 Certification from BREDO Pakistan, accredited in line with INSARAG guidelines and recognized by local disaster management authorities. Advanced Level-2 and refresher courses are also available annually for professional responders.
