It takes somebody who wants to help their fellow man. Rescuers encounter harrowing scenes by the day Some, such as paramedics, builders and engineers, contribute professional skills. But, says Mrs McPhee, all must be trained to a common standard, which usually takes between 18 months and two years. A building site is ideal territory for recreating post-earthquake conditions, although insurance liability can cause complications with construction companies. Volunteers, who may have to deal with the effects of earthquakes, floods, tidal waves, landslides and volcanic eruptions, must get to grips with hi-tech equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and sound detection equipment.
Sniffer dogs are also vital to the operation.
Rapid has four border collies, although only two were despatched to Turkey, as the other two had just been released from quarantine having returned from Colombia. Holiday time One of the dogs detected a trapped survivor in the aftermath of Izmit, says Mrs McPhee. Because of the urgent nature of their business, volunteers must be able to travel at a moment's notice. Nevertheless, many volunteers give up their annual leave to fly into a disaster zone and face the horror of death, shock and anguish. As chief fundraiser, it also falls to her to generate money to pay for the expensive electronic equipment used in search and rescue.