International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service

Called up and dispatched within 24 hours to areas stricken by a large-scale disaster somewhere in the world
International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service constituting a rescue team dispatched by the Japanese government

According to statistical data, approximately 4.1 billion people suffered from natural disasters in the 25-year period from 1977 to 2001 and about 1.28 million of them lost their lives. Natural disasters in developing countries in particular not only cause the loss of many lives directly but also leave lingering aftermaths that cause people to suffer in various ways, thus impairing momentum for economic development gained to that point in time. The purpose of international cooperation and exchange in the area of fire defense and disaster prevention is to send Japan's specialists, known for their world top-class rescue skills, and relief supplies to relieve a disaster stricken country and its people from suffering. It must be a positive, continuing activity based on humanity.

001 System to dispatch an " International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service," a rescue team dispatched under an international emergency relief operation

International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service shouldering part of Japan's international emergency relief operations are Special Forces formed under an independent system separate from the one applying to emergency fire fighting team. Although they are similar to each other in nature -- namely they are both formed beyond prefectural organizations and they are engaged in similar activities - they are different fundamentally in that International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service operates overseas. Japan Disaster Relief Team comprises a medical team for first-aid treatment and disease prevention and a specialist team for damage restoration and stopgap measures for disaster control, besides a rescue team to which an International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service belongs. These three teams work in concert to provide personal and physical aid to a disaster stricken country. It may not be an overstatement to say that it is Japan's responsibility in international society to make a contribution with its technology and skills in rescue operations, medical services, stopgap, and restorative measures to help countries stricken by large-scale disasters (developing countries in particular).
In 1987, the Law for dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Team was legislated and Japan's general system to send relief teams abroad was completed. With this system, Japan became able to send relief teams promptly for international cooperation at a national level upon receiving a request from a disaster stricken country. Commissioner of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency responding to a request for cooperation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs will decide to put an international emergency relief operation into motion and request member rescue units of various cities, towns, and villages for dispatch. Selected members from the International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service called up will be dispatched to a disaster stricken country as the members of the rescue team of Japan Disaster Relief Team, and they will demonstrate their excellent skills and ability cultivated in their everyday duties in the disaster stricken area. International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service sent by Japan have engaged themselves in rescue and support activities overseas 13 times to date and are recognized as a rescue team with world top-class rescue skills. Fire and Disaster Management Agency is endeavoring to improve Japan's international emergency relief operation to develop a more efficient system in the future, using feedback from the experience gained from these activities.

002 Japan Disaster Relief Team playing an active part in the world

The International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service consist of 599 rescue specialists selected from 62 fire departments throughout the country and are dispatched to a disaster stricken country as a team specialized in rescue operations of Japan Disaster Relief Team. They are specialists with abundant field experience and have the ability to judge and act unerringly under any circumstances. They have cultivated and acquired physical strength, familiarized themselves with the handling of various rescue equipment and first-aid procedures in hard training. As for the mobilization system, a roster is developed to determine the turn for each fire defense headquarters and the team that is on duty will get ready for departure as soon as the outbreak of a large-scale disaster overseas is reported. When a decision to dispatch is made, the team will depart for an overseas destination within 24 hours of the decision. Fire and Disaster Management Agency keeps registered data concerning members' qualifications and special skills as well as the records of their temporary dismissal from the home organizations for official duties to ensure their prompt dispatch to overseas locations.

Japan Disaster Relief Team actively engaged in its duty in Morocco

On March 1, 2004, the Japan Disaster Relief Team consisting of 23 members and 2 rescue dogs returned to Japan. It was a team dispatched upon request for support for earthquake disaster control. The rescue team spent 6 days in a disaster stricken area and completed victim search and rescue operations. Japan's cooperation to dispatch a rescue team in spite of the distance and grant relief supplies, such as tents and blankets, was highly appreciated by the people of Morocco and the interim acting ambassador of Morocco to Japan, Mr. Hosni, conveyed their words of appreciation as follows: " It is a great thing to extend one's support to others. We sincerely appreciate your kindness."

International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service (IRT) uniform and standard

Our field is the enter world. Anywhere, anytime, anybody, anyhow, we rescue you.

ol of the International Rescue Team Japanese Fire-Service is a green emblem. It takes a motive from a design nicknamed " Affectionate hands" and depicts tightly grasped hands ovThe symber the globe. The orange uniform has embroidered letters, " JAPAN DISASTER RELIEF TEAM," on its back.