Iowa Task Force 1

There are three Federal USAR teams currently deployed to Venezuela after the devastating earthquakes. Teams from Virginia and California are the first to be deployed overseas (acting as USA-1 and USA-2) under the umbrella of USAID. Sometimes, there are other teams deployed as well. For this disaster, a team from Florida was also called upon.
There have already been dozens of rescues of survivors buried in the rubble.
There are 28 federal USAR teams across the county and they are deployed by either FEMA or, in this case, USAID. IA-TF1 is a state asset and deployed by Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Sometimes, we can be deployed out of state via an EMAC request (Emergency Management Assistance Compact).

As we’ve seen through previous posts, even though IA-TF1 is a state asset and deployed through Iowa HLSEM, the training is transferable between the two sponsoring fire departments (Cedar Rapids and Sioux City).

In April, SCT Levins traveled to Florida to become certified as a USAR Medical Specialist taught by Disaster Medical Solutions. For the Cedar Rapids division, Levins is now our fifth ‘Med Spec’.
Medical Specialist are specifically trained to perform Advanced Life Support functions on a disaster scene, specifically structural collapse, confined space, high angle, and any other place where victims need ALS intervention.
Med Specs work close with our team doctor and local hospitals so that when deployed, they are able to travel across state lines with advanced drugs that are not normally part of our medical protocol. They are trained in advanced techniques such as field amputations should the need arise.
Their primary function, however, is overseeing the well being and treatment of team members, even the four-legged ones! They are taught basic K9 intervention and care.
(Some photos are from previous trainings, including using a cow femur to simulate/practice a field amputation)

Happy Birthday, Flyer!

Welcome back, Chief Dall!
Former CRFD Battalion Chief and IA-TF1 Team Leader Dan Dall came back for two days of Wide Area Search refresher training. Chief Dall is a traveling instructor for TEEX, one of the leaders in high-quality USAR training. Topics included geographical referencing, USNG (United States National Grid) and map reading, search markings, and SARCOP.

🎶West Virginia🎶
In late March, six Swift Water Rescue techs from the CR Division traveled to Hico, WV to gain some new skills in white water conditions. For two days, members learned advanced boat skills from the staff at West Virginia Adventures
We are continually looking for ways to become better and operate safer as we protect the citizens of Iowa!
Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management