Winners of the Global Search & Rescue Excellence Awards

Held on May 16th at One Great George Street, Westminster, in partnership with the Institute of Search & Technical Rescue, the Global Search & Rescue Excellence Awards recognised and celebrated the achievements of search and rescue teams, volunteers, organisations and suppliers who work so tirelessly to respond in times of need. The event celebrated unstinting dedication to public safety and the search and rescue community.

Nominees came from around the world – including the US, Germany, Austria, South Africa, China and the Middle East – hailing from a range of search and rescue disciplines including urban, sea, helicopter and cave rescue responding to global disasters such as the Turkey/Syria earthquake and the flooding across Europe and Malawi.

Winners included the RNLI, a helicopter rescue team, a US search and rescue pioneer for most influential individual, and a cave rescue team from South and Mid Wales.

 

Roll of Honour:

Technical Rescue of the Year

Christopher Whittington, Michael Hennelly, John Carrigan and Norman Macleod – Bristow Helicopters Ltd.

 

Search and Rescue Mission of the Year

RNLI Dover, Dungeness, Ramsgate and Walmer stations

 

Trauma Care of the Year

South and Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team

 

Heavy Rescue of the Year

HIWFRS Urban Search and Rescue Team – Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

 

Team of the Year

UK ISAR

 

Training Provider of the Year

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue – Waddington Training Centre

 

Innovator of the Year

CTIF Commission for Extrication and New Technology

 

Supporter of the Year

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

 

Project of the Year

Lucy Macleod and the Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) Team – London Fire Brigade

 

Unsung Hero

Kyle Nordfors – Weber County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue

 

Most Influential Individual

Robert Koester, Author – Lost Person Behaviour

 

Lifetime Achievement

Dr Neil Powell – Search and Rescue Dog Association Ireland North

 

The Global Search & Rescue Excellence Awards was supported by the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue and highlighted the best in global response and celebrated frontline responders and those working behind the scenes to improve disaster response and save lives.

David O’Neill MBE, CEO of the Institute of Search and Technical Rescue, said: “From our own experience, we know that the activities of search and technical rescue are often undertaken through a selfless devotion to duty. Those choosing to work or volunteer in these activities do so for the good of others and rarely seek recognition for their actions. Therefore holding an event that recognises the outstanding contribution of individuals, teams and organisations, who often risk their own lives and comforts for the good of others is invaluable and one in which we are delighted to be a partner.”

 

FIRE Editor Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch OBE said: “I am delighted to have introduced the first Global Search & Rescue Excellence Awards which proved an exciting and memorable celebration of search and rescue personnel and supporters from around the world. Shining a spotlight on personnel is the best way to recognise everyday unsung heroes, share best practice and promote innovation and collaboration. We are sure this will be the first of many awards ceremonies and will grow in value and influence.”

 

For more information visit: fire-magazine.com or contact:

Award entries:

email: [email protected]

Sponsorship:

Beverley Rees

tel: 01273 434943

email: [email protected]

Editorial:

Andrew Ledgerton-Lynch OBE

tel: 01273 434933

email: [email protected]