The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group – known as INSARAG - is a global network of over 80 countries and organisations, which operate under the umbrella of the United Nations.
If the extent of a disaster relief mission overwhelms the first responders on site, humanitarian relief personnel from all over the world form up within a few hours. Behind this lies a sophisticated network of strictly trained professionals from INSARAG. The Urban Search and Rescue – or USAR – teams have the know-how and stamina for such challenges and strain. A USAR team consists of an interdisciplinary team, which entails the competencies for management, logistics, medicine, recovery and, of course, search and rescue dog work, among other things. Each USAR team has to demonstrate its INSARAG qualifications on a regular basis by undergoing repeated testing. Through the close cooperation with INSARAG, the IRO regularly sends independent Classifiers in order to convey their expertise for the testing of search and rescue dog competence. This includes technical searching as well as K9 aspects.
In addition, INSARAG is setting up a team structure under the international Medium Team as part of the Light Team Working Group (LTWG).
You can find further information under "IRO Expertise at INSARAG".
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the global organisation for cynology. As part of the long-standing partnership, the IRO and FCI work closely together in the areas of training and testing standards. The International Testing Standards for Search and Rescue Dogs (IPO-R) was developed together and its ongoing further development is the most important future project for the next few years.
You can find out more under "IPO-R Working Group".
The department for Culture, Education and Knowledge of the City of Salzburg supports the International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation since 2019 with an annual grant.
IRO Partnership Programme
Without strong partners at its side, the IRO would not be able to carry out its work so professionally and sustainably. If you are interested in a partnership or sponsorship, we would be happy to receive your enquiry. There many possibilities for cooperation.