Purpose of the INSARAG Guidelines

This internationally accepted document provides a methodology to guide countries affected by a sudden-onset disaster causing large-scale structural collapse, as well as international USAR teams responding in the affected country.

The guidelines also outline the role of the UN in assisting affected countries in on-site coordination. The methodology, as defined in the INSARAG Guidelines, provides a process for preparedness, cooperation and coordination of the national and international participants.

This should then result in an improved understanding at all government levels in the affected country as to how international USAR assistance can be utilized to augment the national response so to ensure the most effective use of resources.