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Introduction:
Our focus here at DPART is the community's role in Disaster Response and our commitment to grass roots level preparedness today for a better response come tomorrow, with proper awareness, training and equipment affected communities can respond to and mitigate hazards effectively for up to 72 Hours post incident in developed countries such as the United States the Government actively supports the development of "Community Emergency Response Teams" which act as an reserve voluntary force supporting emergency services stretched thin during a major disaster and when not helping out in disasters they play a vital role in the development and safety of their community.
However because Pakistan's status as a developing country and low resources the DPART program was initiated entirely by local volunteers and some emergecy responders, the entire program and team is self sufficent and the team buys and maintaines its own tool and equipment cache.
Using the FEMA C.E.R.T. : Community Emergency Response Team as a template DPART was formed on similar princlipals to date its volunteers have helped train members of the community and assisted local law enforcement and emergency responders during the Kashmir earthquake and continues to provide support where a offical request for assistance is received.
Since its formation DPART has been working to build relationships with emergency services and non governmental orginizations and other partners including the Punjab Emergency Ambulance ServiceRescue1122 to help get our message across to the wider audience. Islamabad Police Emergency Services Unit (Rescue 15)Islamabad Police Rescue 15 were one of DPARTs first partners and their assistance provided the program a much needed boost.
Altough DPART is a voluntary community based organization we work closely with the local emergency services and work to build lasting partnerships and future aim's include developing the capacity of volunteers within the Pakistani voluntary sector in organizitaions such as the National Volunteer Movement of PakistanNVM-Pakistan.
Training:
DPART in late 2005 dpart was kindly given permission by FEMA to use the CERT training meterial for the training of our volunteers and our present training system is based on the FEMA CERT Training Manual and the Urban "Light Role" Search and Rescue [Category 1] training regimen, members are also trained in Disaster Preparedness, Fire Supression, CPR+ Conducting Disaster Medical Operations, Psycho-Social Care "Disaster Psychology" via training partners.
At the end of the 6 week training course students have a chance to practice and display their skills at a simulation session. Successful candidates receive the Basic Certificate and will either be assigned to a local team or asked to start a local team where one does not exist.
DPART Structure:
Program Coordinator(1)- Location: Islamabad - Is responsible for the success of the program and ensures admin, training and operational resources are available as well as maintaining a constant link between team leaders, emergency services and partners.
Team/Task Force Leaders (*2)- Locations: Islamabad/Rawalpindi - Is responsible for a team of 6 volunteers in any given area. Each task force has its own team leader. Communicates with Program Coordinator and ESU on scene.
Search and Rescue Component (8) - Location : Islamabad/Rawalpindi- Responsible for the ground search and rescue of survivors, the search and rescue component also provides minor fire supression support. Commincate with team leader.
Medical Component (4) - Laocation: Islamabad/Rawalpdindi.- Each team has a dedicated medical component desigend to conduct triage and provide first aid as necessary, the medical component is responsible for the location and establishment of a triage/treatment camp. Communicate with team Leader.
Logistics and Equipment:
Being a voluntary organization finances are low however DPART maintains a cache of equipment and tools logistical support is provided by team members.
Continuing support for members:
After qualifying members are provided ID cards & certificates however they have to pay for the cost of their uniform and their personal responder (kit). Qualifying members are offered the option to progress throughout their voluntary careers with DPART as Team Leaders, Instructors or component specialists.Members can also gain certifications in Incident Command Systems, Hazmat Awareness, Basic Life Support "Plus" and Shelter/Camp Management.
DPART works hard to partner with emergency services and highlight the important role that properly trained, deployed and managed volunteers can make to a rescue or relief effort, where physical interaction is deemed to dangerous DPART volunteers can provide Psycho-Social Care "Stress Debrief", Establish/Assist in treatment camps or manage spontaneous volunteers.
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I got an email from the program coordinator of this project (DPART) who asked for volunteers wanting to train and work with this organization. He is looking for people from
Islamabad and Rawalpindi only who want to volunteer their time and effort for this.
During the earthquake in 2005, a lot of Pakistanis jumped to help without any training or knowledge about what to do. The help, though disorganized, was still welcomed by all. It would have been even better if the people who came forth during that time knew what they were doing to avoid general confusion and redundant efforts.
DPART will be holding an introductory session in this month to tell volunteers what would be expected of them and they are looking for dedicated people. If anyone is interested, send me an email so I can compile the list and forward it the program coordinator who would decide the time for a meeting.
And yes, I intend to be a part of this too since community effort is the seed for progress of any country.
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