INSARAG
Search & Rescue
Our unit is structured around the five INSARAG pillars: search, rescue, medical, logistics, and administration. Together, these functions create a coordinated response capability for missing persons incidents and disaster operations.
Team Structure
Five Pillars in Action
Search
Search capability is divided into four specialist areas: air scenting, tracking & man-trailing, human remains detection, and technical search using drones and specialised equipment.
Rescue
The rescue pillar supports access, extraction, casualty handling, and safe field operations in challenging terrain and incident environments.
Medical
The medical pillar provides casualty assessment, immediate care, and clinical support during searches, rescues, training, and deployments.
Logistics
Logistics ensures teams, vehicles, communications, equipment, and supplies are ready and sustained throughout each operation.
Administration
Administration manages coordination, documentation, planning, records, and the systems that keep the unit accountable and mission ready.
Integrated Response
These pillars work together as one operational structure, allowing the unit to respond professionally, safely, and efficiently.
Search Capability
Four Search Disciplines
Within the search pillar, the team operates across four distinct disciplines to match the needs of each incident. Air scenting dogs are used to detect human scent over wider areas, while tracking and man-trailing teams follow a specific person’s route and movement.
Human remains detection supports specialist recovery operations, and technical search adds aerial overview and targeted detection through drones and other specialised equipment. This layered approach strengthens coverage, speed, and operational accuracy.
