Arctic and North Atlantic Mass Rescue Operation Guidelines

Developing a Harmonised Handbook for Mass Rescue Operations in the NPA Region

Mass Rescue Operations are large, complex and rare incidents, where one nations search and rescue capacity is at risks of being overwhelmed. These types of disasters could have large consequences for the NPA region. Success often depends on well coordinated actions and resources from various organizations and stakeholders; regional, national and transnational.

The NAMRO project will develop a handbook for mass rescue operations, together with relevant search and rescue authorities that have a Search and Rescue Region responsibility within the NPA area.

The handbook seeks to create harmonized guidelines and standardised operations, especially when it comes to receiving and rendering international assistance. The mass rescue operations handbook aims to assist search and rescue authorities in identifying resource needs, knowledge of rescue resources available, and request and reply procedures.

The idea is to promote common terminology, generate consistency, raise awareness, and identify stakeholders for a more efficient response. 

Photo credit: Anders Martinsen, ARCSAR LIVEX