Rescuers reclaim 'heavy team' status

Members of China International Search & Rescue Team search for survivors in the rubbles after a massive earthquake hit Haiti in this January 2010 file photo. [Photo/IC]

The China International Search & Rescue Team has reclaimed its expired "heavy team" status by passing a three-day peer review.

"During the reclassification, the members demonstrated that they continue to be fit for purpose not only in the event of a domestic emergency, but in situations where China's neighbors and friends call upon her for assistance," said Rashid Khalikov, director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group, under the leadership of the UN, introduced the external classification system for international search and rescue teams in 2005 to make their operations more effective. Depending on their capabilities, they are classified as medium or heavy teams.

The Chinese group had to show proficiency in 150 subjects, including security, search and rescue and medical treatment.

The review process is supposed to last 37 hours but the judges gave their approval after 31 hours because of the team's excellent performance, said Zhao Ming, head of the China Earthquake Administration's emergency department.

The peer review was carried out by nine experts from other countries.

"The performance of the Chinese team in the review was almost perfect," Khalikov said after collecting feedback from the experts.

The reviewers made some suggestions, saying team members should be given better earplugs. In addition they said the rescuers should double-check the buckles on their ropes.

"We will pay more attention to details to ensure the safety of rescuers as well as the people we rescue," said Chen Hong, an expert who worked with the team during the review.

The group's standard operating procedures will in future incorporate some of the points raised during the review.

The team demonstrated its swift response capacity, said Khalikov.

Chen gave credit to the strong support, in terms of equipment and finance, provided by the government and the professionalism of the team's members.

The Chinese team is the second heavy team in Asia, and its training system has attracted many rescuers from other developing countries to Beijing, said Lu Jie, deputy director of the training center of the National Earthquake Response Service.

Since the team first won the title in 2009, many advanced rescue methods introduced in China have worked well in domestic emergencies, he said.

Contact the writer at zhengjinran@chinadaily.com.cn