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UKFSSART is now undertaking a selection process for instructors required to participate in the Pakistan development project in the Autumn of 2008 and the Spring of 2009

If you are a member of UKFSSART, are seeking a personal development opportunity and wish to be considered for the instructor pool on this project, please download and complete an application form.

	UKFSSART Training - Rescue 2 and 3
	Following consultation between DFID and SRSA, it was agreed that the UK would be responsible for the development of rope rescue (including safety at height) and shoring operations. The rope rescue training became known as Rescue 3 and the Shoring training as Rescue 2 . Training was scheduled for the spring and autumn of 2008 and possibly the spring of 2009. The team in Islamabad, being the best prepared would be trained first, and this was the objective of the training mission in May 2008.
	The selected instructors left the UK on the 3rd May, bound for Islamabad via Dubai. Despite losing one bag en-route, all personnel and equipment were in place ready to start training by the 6th May. With the major delivery partner in the project being the Swedish Rescue Services Agency (SRSA), they have established an office, training sites and other facilities in Islamabad and have a full time project manager and local staff employed there. Despite initial problems with the procurement of sufficient equipment, training started only one day late. The instructors compensated for this by agreeing to extend training into the weekend. The temperature was hot, around 39 degrees centigrade, and time was needed to acclimatise. John McKie and Neil Graham led on the Timber Shoring training (Rescue 2), whilst Jim McParland and Rob Norman concentrated on the Rope Rescue training (Rescue 3).


	Rescue 2		Rescue 3
	The overall goals for the Rescue 2 (Shoring) course were:		The objective for the Rescue 3 training was to establish a raising and lowering system.
	To introduce students to shoring in the USAR environment and to develop their skills and knowledge to the level of 'Shoring Awareness'.		This would allow the students to be able to lower and raise both rescuers and casualties in a safe and controlled manner in a USAR environment.
	To provide training and assessment of the student's abilities to safely conduct basic timber shoring.		Stretcher operations were also included in the training.
	To introduce the concept of shoring size-up and the written plan for shoring and cutting timber.		The students recieved one week of training during which they were continually assessed for performance as well as understanding. There was also a final assessment in which each student individually demonstrated their knowledge.
	To allow the instructors an opportunity to assess which students would be suitable for further training.
	The course content included practical and theoretical input on timber selection, size-up, cribbing, shoring, capacities of shores, construction methods and the use and limitations of hand and power tools. The learning outcomes were:		During the two weeks of training a total of 20 participants were trained. Students reached a base level of understanding of rope rescue that needs to be developed by regular training. It was recommended that students undergo a period of consolidation in order to firmly implant the principles and techniques taught on the course.
	An awareness of the methodology of shoring in the USAR environment. An awareness of the capabilities and limitations of each shore and cribbing stack. An ability to explain the elements that make a shore, including timber size, nail size and patterns, bracing, gussets, cleats and alignment. An ability to safely operate tools and equipment. An ability to safely deconstruct each shore or cribbing stack. Be able to state the correct PPE to be worn for tool use. Be able to work under supervision as part of a shoring team.
	In the two weeks of the Rescue 2 course a total of 20 personnel were trained.