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USAR teams of the DACHL network (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg) regularly facilitate trainings for different USAR areas and invite international colleagues to participate. This year, the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) hosted an INSARAG Training of Trainers for USAR Coordination Courses (ToT UCC) at THW’s Logistic Centre in Ulm, Germany from 31st August to 6th September 2025.
17 participants from different countries of the AEME region took part in the five-day course. The content was structured in three days of theoretical input and two days for the practical earthquake simulation. Additionally, a guided tour through the Logistic Centre and a visit to the local branch of Neu-Ulm gave insights into THW’s national capacities.
During the first two days, five experienced INSARAG trainers provided theoretical input according to the ToT UCC training package: basics of instructing, communication skills, adult learning, and creating a positive learning environment. Furthermore, they covered information about GDACS, vOSOCC and ICMS.
On the third day, participants gave presentations, in which they were able to apply their presentation and communication skills. Throughout these days, methods and creative activities were included, that participants can use as an inspiration for their own future UC courses.
In the morning of the fourth day an additional media training was integrated, facilitated by THW media experts. Participants received theoretical instructions on how to effectively manage media interactions and engage with reporters during a deployment.Afterwards, the participants had the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice: The course proceeded with a practical UCC simulation of an earthquake in so called Etruria. Divided into two groups, one group acted as EXCON, while the other group took part in the simulation itself. The next morning, the groups’ tasks were switched. Within the exercise, participants were confronted with simulated media teams asking for information and an UNDAC-trained THW volunteer, providing opportunities for cooperation of different UN coordination components. This setup allowed all participants to practice effective exercise management in a realistic scenario.
The ToT UC course equipped its participants with valuable skills and comprehensive knowledge focused on training other trainers. By empowering trainers with this expertise, the program ensures a sustainable and multiplying effect – enabling trained instructors to effectively pass on their knowledge and methodologies to future UC courses. It strengthens the overall capacity and readiness of USAR Coordination, supporting INSARAG’s mission to save lives through efficient, well-coordinated USAR deployments worldwide.
By: Charlie Kuletzki and Daniela Glatz