QFES disaster response team passes stringent testing to continue providing UN assistance

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) AUS-1 Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) has been successfully recertified following three days of intensive training and exercises, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford said today (Friday).

Mr Crawford, who launched the reclassification exercise on Monday in Brisbane, said the AUS-1 DART had been assessed by a team of international experts.

“The AUS-1 team have proven their capability to assist the United Nations with the coordination of global responses to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need, by successfully completing the reclassification exercise,” Mr Crawford said.

“The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) reclassification exercise simulates conditions and experiences that occur in a real disaster event, and once again DART have proven why they are some of the best in the world when it comes to emergency response.

“By being successfully recertified, the AUS-1 team has expanded on our state and national capability to provide support during disasters in Australia and internationally.

“It also increases our capability to accept assistance from external relief teams should a disaster happen in Queensland or Australia,” Mr Crawford said.

Mr Crawford said the AUS-1 DART had provided support during floods, cyclones, earthquakes and other natural disasters in Australia and overseas.

“This is our second successful INSARAG External Reclassification for the AUS-1 team, and I am proud of the team’s on-going commitment to make sure they are equipped to lend support when needed,” Mr Crawford said.

QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said being part of the DART taskforce involved being fully-self-contained and autonomous for up to two weeks during search and rescue operations.

“The team can now be deployed to crises in Australia and overseas to help save lives and return communities to normal,” Ms Carroll said.

“Congratulations to the AUS-1 DART on this outstanding achievement, and for all they do in keeping communities safe around the world.”

ENDS

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