REPORT ON THE USAR EXERCISE CARRIED OUT BY THE CPD AT HAL-FERH ON THE 16TH MAY 2012.

On the 16th May 2012 the MARL Ecomm team was called out to participate in an exercise entitled USAR Exercise Hal-Ferh. The exercise started at 12.40 hours (local time).

The following members of the MARL Ecomm team where present:

Ivan Privitera 9H1PI

Christopher Warren 9H1BW

Joe Falzon 9H1VW

Edwin Pavia 9H1XE

Two VHF/UHF stations were installed in the caravan, which was towed on site by the CPD. Both Battery and generator supply was used.

Participating in the exercise apart from the CPD, were the EFRU, Malta Red Cross and St. John Rescue Team.

The scenario was a simulated earthquake where by 7 casualties trapped under the rubble. K9 dogs were used to locate the trapped persons. Once located, 3 teams, formed from the CPD and the NGOs personnel, used different tools to extract each trapped person. The pre exercise brief emphasized that the main aim of the exercise was to ensure co-ordination between the NGOs and the CPD personnel and to create a united team.

The exercise was followed by a number of VIPs and the press.

The MARL Ecomm team supported the CPD in their communications and various messages were relayed to the Control Unit. A blast of a fog horn started the exercise. 3 Blasts ended to exercise. A whistle denoted danger.

The MARL Ecomm team was stood down 14.40 hours.

Hard hats, donated by the CPD, were used by the members present. Sufficient hard hats have been donated for use by all members. This hat will henceforth form part of the uniform.

De Chris 9H1BW

17th May 2012