Scottish firefighters remain deployed in Venezuela supporting UK ISAR response

Three Scottish Fire and Rescue Service firefighters deployed to Venezuela remain on the ground supporting ongoing search and rescue operations as part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) response.

Working alongside colleagues from fire and rescue services across the UK, Station Commander Gavin Brown, Crew Commander Ian Hodgson and Firefighter Brian Richards continue to provide specialist expertise in challenging conditions.

The team has worked tirelessly alongside emergency service personnel from a number of countries, combining their expertise, training and operational experience to deliver coordinated search and rescue operations in support of communities affected by the earthquakes.

The UK ISAR team was deployed through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) at the request of the Venezuelan government and includes firefighters and staff from 14 fire and rescue services across the UK. Their ability to collaborate effectively in challenging conditions has been instrumental in delivering assistance to those most in need.

Speaking from Venezuela, Station Commander Gavin Brown said: “There are personnel from a range of fire and rescue services across the UK, and the ability to work together in a close-knit environment and adapt to any scenario has been incredibly important.

“Drawing on the skills we use in our day-to-day roles has enabled us to work effectively as a team and get the job done.

SFRS Group Commander Andy Buchan, the UK ISAR Team Manager in Scotland, said: "Our firefighters remain in Venezuela supporting ongoing search and rescue operations as part of the wider UK ISAR response. The commitment, professionalism and resilience shown by everyone involved has been outstanding.

“What our team are experiencing during this deployment is intense. The scale of the devastation they have encountered is unlike anything they would face in their day-to-day duties back home, and they are dealing with those challenging circumstances every day throughout their deployment.”

Andy continued: “We continue to assess and support our firefighters before, during and after deployment to ensure their needs and overall wellbeing are being met, and that they have access to the right support at every stage of the process.”