Urban Search and Rescue in New York City Following a Commercial Building Collapse

摘要

As a result of a number of major emergencies including structural collapse bothhere and abroad over the last decade, the concept of urban search and rescue (USAR) has become increasingly recognized as an important element in integrated emergency response. The initial goal of the program has been to establish 25 qualified USAR task forces placed strategically throughout the nation. These task forces provide the ability to respond to major incidents within a few hours of activation and offer a full range of capabilities in incident management; search rescue; specialty medical care for entrapped patients; and technical disciplines including structural engineering, heavy equipment operation, hazardous materials and communications. Unapproved construction repairs to the bearing wall of a commercial building at 24 West 31st Street in midtown Manhattan caused the collapse of the entire side of the building, injuring 11 people and killing the buildings owner. placed strategically throughout the nation. These task forces provide the ability to respond to major incidents within a few hours of activation and offer a full range of capabilities in incident management; search rescue; specialty medical care for entrapped patients; and technical disciplines including structural engineering, heavy equipment operation, hazardous materials and communications