NANNING: Robotic technology, including robot dogs and drones, is among the latest innovations helping rescue teams assess disaster sites faster, safely and effectively.
The use of robot dogs for preliminary assessments in high-risk areas was among the technologies that caught the attention of Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) personnel during an urban search and rescue exercise here.
Sharing his experience, JBPM Senior Fire Superintendent II Mustakim Rimon said robotic systems and drones could help rescue teams assess disaster sites more quickly while reducing risks to personnel.
“When conducting an assessment, it is much faster and safer. This helps the operation commander plan and respond more quickly and systematically,” he said at the Guangxi Fire and Rescue Training Centre in Nanning on Saturday.
He added that during a tunnel rescue exercise, the Chinese team used a robot dog to assess the site before personnel were sent in.
“From what we have seen, the equipment is quite suitable for use in Malaysia, although its application may be limited to certain areas,” Mustakim said.
The technology could also support operations at collapsed buildings or unstable structures, including for monitoring and locating victims, he noted.
“In the past, if we wanted to check a distant area, we would send someone to scout it. Now we can fly a drone there,” he said.
Mustakim, who is the team leader, said seven JBPM personnel took part in the exercise, comprising two special units, namely the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team (SMART) and the Water Rescue Team.
“This was also a chance for us to meet our counterparts from other countries and exchange experiences and knowledge.
“Our languages and countries may be different but our mission remains the same, which is to save lives,” he added.
The exercise was part of the Multi-Hazard Response Field Exercise held in conjunction with the 3rd Asean Regional Forum Workshop on Urban Emergency Rescue in Nanning, Guangxi.
Mustakim said the exercise also provided a chance to exchange expertise in specific areas, with Malaysia having extensive experience in water rescue operations and scuba diving expertise.
Mustakim said the exercise also exposed participants to the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (Insarag) mechanism for international assistance missions, including coordinating rescue teams from their arrival to deployment at disaster sites.
He said China has two Insarag-accredited teams that could be deployed for international rescue missions, while Malaysia also has the SMART team recognised by the organisation.
He said such exercises are important for rescue teams to understand the capabilities, expertise and skills of foreign counterparts that could be deployed during disasters, Bernama reported.
The three-day joint technical and field exercise that began on Sept 18 comprised over 300 personnel from 21 Chinese and international rescue teams from 11 countries.
