INSARAG External Reclassification 2018

After a gruelling 36-hour exercise, the 79-strong SCDF Operation Lionheart Contingent (OLHC) was successfully reclassified as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, having exceeded all criteria of the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (UN INSARAG) guidelines. The team was assessed by a group of 13 experienced international classifiers from the UN INSARAG who have expertise in various aspects of a USAR deployment.

As the highest level of recognition accorded to USAR teams globally, the ‘Heavy’ classification validates our capability to conduct technically complex search and rescue operations in the aftermath of urban disasters. Compared to Light and Medium teams, Heavy USAR teams are able to operate at two independent worksites simultaneously; are equipped with search dogs; and are able to conduct medical treatment on their team members and victims.

The SCDF OLHC was the first in the Asia-Pacific to be classified in 2008 and was reclassified in 2013 as a Heavy USAR team. In this year’s reclassification exercise, the contingent, which comprised regular officers and National Servicemen, had integrated robotics into its operations through the use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and a semi-autonomous load carrying transporter.

The SCDF OLHC has been deployed to numerous countries affected by major disasters. In total, the contingent has been deployed for 18 missions, with the most recent deployment to the Attapeu province in Laos.