Synopsis
In the immediate aftermath of disasters, structural engineers play an essential role within urban search and rescue (USAR) teams: assessing damaged buildings, identifying viable access routes for rescue teams, and monitoring live structural risks. This article introduces this unique and challenging engineering discipline.
Drawing on guidance from the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and deployment experience from the UK's voluntary Light USAR team, SARAID, it describes the structured framework which allows 'USAR engineers' to make the rapid and often life-critical decisions required with confidence and consistency.
The article demonstrates just one way that the technical skillset of structural engineers can be readily adapted to working in humanitarian response. It should be of interest to anyone considering working or volunteering in the humanitarian and international development space.