○ Completed the establishment of the Urban Search and Rescue Training Center early this year equipped with 355 pieces of 49 types of equipment for urban search and rescue

o – Cultivated 40 urban search and rescue specialists this year

o – Program to be expanded and divided by levels starting next year

The Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Training operated by Gyeonggi-do Fire Service Academy which helps prepare for massive disasters—such as earthquakes, terrorism, and destruction—is fulfilling its role as an academy for nurturing the best rescuers.

USAR refers to search and rescue activities in preparation of complicated urban disasters caused by earthquakes, terrorism, and so forth, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. Gyeonggi-do Fire Service Academy is the first fire service academy offered with USAR training nationwide.

In this regard, Gyeonggi-do Fire Service Academy established an USAR Training Center (total area of 3,500 ㎡) within its premises in Namsa-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin city, equipped with 355 pieces of 49 types of USAR equipment.

Trainings include: removal and destruction of debris from collapsed buildings; structural stabilization using slopes and windows; and access technology for rope structure.

Right before the completion of the course, a comprehensive mastery training simulating seven types of disasters is conducted for two days straight without sleep. Such mock training strictly complies the same standards with the National 119 Rescue Headquarters, which is the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

This year’s training was held for three weeks. The first batch of 19 trainees completed the course in June and the second batch of 21 trainees in October, fostering a total of 40 USAR specialized rescuers.

Fire Lieutenant Jeong Chang-woo of 119 Rescue Team who participated in the 2nd training course said, “Rescuers are concerned on how to response to the increasingly diverse types of disasters and massive accidents.” He continued, “Training in a realistic setting with state-of-the-art equipment has given me confidence in dedicating to rescue activities in any type of disasters.”

Chief Kwon Dae-yun of Gyeonggi-do Fire Service Academy said, “Training programs must change and develop in line with the rapidly changing social environment. This is why Gyeonggi-do Fire Service Academy will constantly endeavor and find ways to ensure that Gyeonggi Province firefighters can safely protect the precious lives and assets of citizens in all types of disasters.”

Meanwhile, the Academy will subdivide its program into basic, intermediate, and advanced courses to encourage the participation of more firefighters, beginning next year.