The Quito Fire Department has recently accomplished a significant milestone by obtaining the IRNAP (Proceso de Acreditación Nacional Reconocido por INSARAG) accreditation, marking a major advancement in the field of urban search and rescue capabilities in Ecuador.
Around 90 firefighters from the Specialized Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Groups of Quito and Guayaquil engaged in a rigorous 36-hour accreditation exercise.
This event took place in Ambato, where they simulated a structural emergency in a collapsed scenario. Evaluators from the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), hailing from countries like Argentina, Brazil, and France, rigorously assessed the response capabilities of the USAR ECU-10 team.
This assessment aimed to validate their proficiency in handling such disasters.
The Quito Fire Department expressed immense pride in being part of the IRNAP accreditation process.
This achievement places Ecuador among only four countries in the region and eleven worldwide to hold this prestigious certification.
It underscores the department’s commitment to maintaining high standards of technical and logistical capacity.
These efforts align with international standards set by INSARAG for the national accreditation of USAR teams.
Commitment to continuous improvement
The department emphasized its ongoing dedication to growth and improvement.
It said their goal is to leverage human, logistical, and technological resources effectively to fulfill their mission of saving lives.
The Quito Fire Department’s attainment of the IRNAP accreditation is a testament to their dedication and proficiency in urban search and rescue operations.
This accomplishment not only elevates Ecuador’s status in the international emergency response community but also ensures a higher standard of safety and efficiency in local disaster management.
The rigorous assessment by INSARAG highlights the department’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
This achievement is particularly significant as it places Ecuador among a select group of countries globally recognized for their advanced USAR capabilities, reflecting their readiness to respond to complex emergencies and contribute to global efforts in this domain.
Please note that this article may have been translated using automated software; unintended translation errors may be present.
