INSARAG External Classification/Reclassification - Pacific Disaster ...

evaluate the various components of a USAR team (Diagram 3). The IEC team may also
include IEC Classifiers-in-Training (See Section 3.2.3). In certain instances, one team
member may provide technical expertise in more than one function.
INSARAG Secretariat
Diagram 3
Medical
Rescue
The mandate of the IEC Classifiers is to ensure the USAR team undergoing the process
is evaluated in an objective and non-biased manner. Furthermore, it requires that a
USAR team satisfactorily demonstrates all of the competencies and skills required by
the IEC Checklist for the level of classification being sought.
The IEC Classifier is the acknowledged face of INSARAG and, as such, must uphold
the principles and standards established by INSARAG.
When participating in an IEC, the individual classifiers represent the INSARAG
community and not their particular home organisation. Therefore, they need to remain
objective and conduct the classification according to the minimum standards required by
the INSARAG Guidelines. It is important that IEC Classifiers do not attempt to
promote or enforce their home country’s particular methodology.
The ISG acknowledges and respects that USAR teams operate using different Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP), doctrines and
techniques to achieve common objectives. Therefore
the IEC Classifiers are not expected to provide
comment regarding technical standards beyond those
listed in the INSARAG Guidelines. The IEC does
however provide the USAR team with unique access
to international experts who may be able to impart
valuable advice and guidance. The IEC Classifiers
are however required to ensure that USAR
operations are conducted safely and it cannot disregard or overlook a violation of
generally accepted safe practices. Therefore, if a concern regarding safety arises, the
IEC Classifiers will, in consultation with the host country liaison officer, intervene and
if deemed necessary, stop the particular activity in question until it can be continued in a
safe manner.
2.3.1 Selection of IEC Classifiers
The ISG has endorsed the IEC Classifiers Terms of Reference (TOR) (Annex B) which
is available from the INSARAG Secretariat or on the VO. USAR experts from
INSARAG USAR teams who are interested in becoming IEC Classifiers are required to
meet the eligibility criteria outlined in these TOR.
14 IEC Guidelines, 2011 Edition
IEC Cadre
Management
Logistics
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