To promote the abilities of Taichung Special Rescue Team and achieve the goal of INSARAG External Classification (IEC) according to the guidelines of INSARAG to become a “heavy rescue team,” the Taichung City Fire Department participated in the 2017 INGO International Conference - INSARAG External Classification (IEC)” Seminar, as the references of organizing a rescue team by joining the forces in Changhua, Nantou, and Miaoli to achieve the standard of IEC certification.

In the conference, two American instructors Robert Harris and Bryan Well were invited as trainers. Both of them work at LACoFD USAR Team, which is one of the team in the USA that passed the IEC operated by the UN. Recently, they led a team as commanders to Mexico City and Puerto Rico to help rescue in earthquakes, wind and water disasters. With ample experience and professional skills, they are renowned international rescuers.

In the course, these American instructors briefed the participants with the information on IEC and the guidelines and certification of a medium and heavy rescue team. They also shared the organization, equipment, and training of USAR with them. Regarding the management, evaluation, searching, rescue, paramedic, and logistic of IEC, they shared their professional knowledge and experiences without reserve. They also provided the participants with their experiences of joining rescue teams as commanders in missions in Mexico City and Puerto Rico. All the participants and guests learned much from them.