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.
06
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.