International Search and Rescue Training in Lincolnshire

The Waddington Training Centre in Lincolnshire recently became the scene of a major disaster response operation, as UK International Search and Rescue (UK-ISAR) teams completed an intense, large-scale earthquake simulation training exercise.

Collapsed buildings, unstable debris piles, challenging void spaces and trapped casualties transformed the training ground into a highly realistic disaster zone designed to test every aspect of international urban search and rescue capability.

At Lincoln Showground, the UK‑ISAR teams set up a full base of operations, including dedicated tents for communications, welfare, medical care, logistics and accommodation. 

Once deployed, teams quickly surveyed the scene with medical support to assess the different structures to prioritise response tasks.  Teams operated in confined spaces, navigated hazardous environments and carried out advanced structural collapse operations including shoring, lifting and breaching. Rope rescue specialists also operated at height across unstable multi-level structures, adding another layer of realism and challenge to the exercise.

The exercise also showcased strong international collaboration, welcoming delegates from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia Emergency Management Service. Their involvement created valuable opportunities for shared learning, partnership building and operational interoperability between international teams.

Search and rescue dog teams and handlers were at the heart of the operation, demonstrating the incredible capability and value of canine search assets in locating casualties quickly within collapsed environments.

By recreating the pressures, pace and unpredictability of a genuine earthquake response, the exercise ensured UK ISAR teams remain ready to respond rapidly, safely and effectively whenever disaster strikes around the world.

UK-ISAR are the official UK Government response to international disasters, funded and supported by FCDO (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office).