Disaster Management Manual
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4.3.3 Integrated Rescue System (IRS)

IRS is an effective system of links, rules of cooperation and coordination of rescue teams and security forces, state and local governments, individuals and the private sector in the implementation of common rescue and relief work and in the preparation for emergencies.

IRS aims, while taking into account the legal framework, in integrating and combining every available material and human resources to perform rescue in the most efficient and economical use. An IRS is not an organization in the form of institutions, but above all an expression of rules and cooperation.

The components IRS are divided into the following:

  • Essential components: these provide continuous flow of information and notification related to the emergency. Usually, these are comprised from the Fire Brigade, the emergency response health services and the Police. These can be called upon urgently to deploy necessary forces and resources throughout the country.
  • Other components: usually these are comprised from resources of the Armed Forces, other rescue services, public health authorities, civil protection, non-profit organizations professional services and associations of citizens, which can be used for rescue and relief type of work.
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