From May 23-30, 2007, U.S. search and rescue teams from Fairfax County, Virginia, and Los Angeles County, California, came to South Africa to conduct urban search and rescue training for their South African counterparts. Both U.S. teams have extensive experience with urban disasters around the globe. Rescue South Africa, founded by Ian Scher, hosted the training program with funding provided by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The program was designed to support South Africa’s desire to improve its search and rescue teams for the 2010 World Cup and other major events. In the program, 26 new local trainers and 60 technicians were taught essential search and rescue skills. Rescue South Africa began operations in South Africa in 1999 and since then has assisted other countries such as Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, and Mozambique with their emergencies. Rescue South Africa is a public service that is free of charge. They approached USAID to ask for help with funding. USAID arranged all of the training, selecting trainers from America. According to Scher, the Americans brought helpful information and Rescue South Africa learned a lot.
Two of the South African training participants, Adele Swanepoel and Clifford Mokgatlhe found the experience rewarding. Adele, the only woman trainee, remarked, “I’m glad USAID taught me and South African colleagues how to save lives when buildings collapse or similar disasters occur. Searching for patients and rescuing them is very complicated and if you don’t do it the right way, people will die.” Adele has worked through the ranks to become a full-fledged firefighter, health and safety coordinator, and now training coordinator at the Potchefstroom Fire Department. She considers her job a “calling” to fight fires and save peoples’ lives. She is proud of her accomplishment as the only woman participant in the Rescue South Africa’s program with USAID, “I’ve proven myself and consider this experience a very good achievement.” Clifford, who is an Advanced Life Support Practitioner, attended to the “victim” during the simulated rescue effort. He stated, “Guys, you’re the best. Thanks a million for all the time, preparation and knowledge shared. I’m proud to say I was trained by the best. Without USAID, this would not have been possible. I am glad to be a part of this experience.”
