"Ask The Chief "

California Urban Search and Rescue—Task Force-5

On Thursday, August 31 in response to a request through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services by the Federal Management Agency (FEMA) our 70 person Urban Search and Rescue Task Force was activated for full deployment to assist in the devastated Gulf state region.   California Task Force -5 is one of 28 National Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces that are coordinated, trained and equipped by FEMA.  Task Froce-5 is based in Orange County and includes firefighters from our own fire department, Orange City Fire Department, Santa Ana City Fire Department and the Orange County Fire Authority.  In addition to the specially trained firefighters, the task force also includes physicians, structural engineers, heavy riggers and canine (search dog) handlers.

US&R is a "multi-hazard" discipline, and considered one of the most complex and difficult activities emergency responders may encounter. The multi-disciplinary organization provides five functional elements that include command, search, rescue, medical and technical. 

US&R is the process of locating, extricating and providing initial medical treatment to victims trapped as a result of structural collapses and other natural or man-made catastrophes. Because of the specialized training, the tools needed, skills learned, tactics used and the techniques necessary to carry out this process, US&R is applicable to use in a wide range of day to day emergency incidents and  for an extended period of time.  This may include rescuing survivors from floods, swift-water; as well survivors of confined space, mass transportation, climbing and industrial machinery accidents; high-rise fire incidents or cave-ins.

Sufficient numbers of trained rescue specialist remain in Orange County to response to any disaster that may occur here in Orange county or elsewhere in the region.  Cost associated with this deployment is reimbursed by FEMA.

I know I speak for the entire department as I express our concerns and condolences for the victims and families of the Gulf region during this most difficult time.

For questions or comments you may reach me at askthechief@anaheim.net or write me at “Ask the Chief,” Anaheim Fire Department, 201 S Anaheim Blvd, MS#301, Anaheim, Ca 92805.