FIRE SERVICE RELATED
The International Emergency Team
Introduction to IET :
The International Emergency Team ( IET ) is a voluntary organisation born following the efforts of Mehrban Sadiq , from the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service , to increase the standards of fire safety overseas . The IET is primarily focused in the Punjab region , which is split between Northern India and Pakistan .
There are over forty volunteer members within the core group of the IET , having a range of skill sets that help effect change in the area , ranging from paramedic training to educating future architects .
Despite being the National Chair for the Asian Fire Service Association ( AFSA ) during 2014 - 2016 , Mehrban has always felt from a young age that his calling was for the emergency services .
Mehrban ’ s current role within the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service ’ s Community Safety Department enhanced the skills he required in ; planning and organising events , delivering fire safety presentations , and working with diverse communities .
Mehrban ’ s Pakistani background is what makes IET so prosperous – being familiar with the language and culture , and the main challenges within the region , Mehrban can not only offer aid but also ensure that procedures are put into effect and a real difference is being made .
Visiting the Punjab :
Mehrban visited the Punjab Emergency Service ’ s headquarters in 2013 , undertaking humanitarian work in conjunction with Punjab Rescue 1122 , and it was then decided that a scoping expedition would be undertaken the following year .
In April 2014 a small team consisting of five members , was welcomed by Dr Rizwan Naseer , the Director General of Punjab Rescue 1122 , and were invited to assist in ; assessing current capabilities , develop existing practices , policy , and procedure , and to initiate the foundation for future liaison and potential training facilities .
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Punjab Rescue 1122 is the largest emergency humanitarian service in Pakistan with an infrastructure that encompasses all of the thirty-six districts of the Punjab . It was initially formed as a medical response agency and has since developed a fire and rescue capability in response to the major risks inherent to the region .
A visit to the site of the new Training Academy was organised and detailed discussion took place concerning the new training tower provision and fire-ground facilities .
Another reason pertaining to the success of IET is the well-established link from the organisation to the government-level - whilst the team also visited Islamabad , they met with the District Emergency Officer and the Prime Minister of Kashmir as well as the Governor of Punjab . The visits allowed for an introduction to the team and the scoping study , and future assistance the IET may be able to provide as part of continuing training and development project .