Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Tinsley | A search and extraction team member uses a K-12 saw to cut through rebar so a heavy...... read more read more
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TEL AVIV, Israel - Indiana National Guardsmen flew to Israel to participate in a multinational search and rescue training event near Tel Aviv. This marked the third exchange between Indiana and Israel; strengthening ties between the nations.
Hoosiers and Israelis designed the training to share rescue operations techniques and knowledge to improve response actions and save lives.
“The main benefit of the training is to look at other ways of working and thinking,” said Col. Amir Golan, of the Israeli National Rescue Unit.
The nations blended teams to locate and safely extract more than 300 simulated victims from collapsed buildings caused by a high magnitude earthquake during a 48-hour exercise. Teams stabilized, cut, lifted and broke through debris to provide immediate medical care and rescue victims.
Indiana Guardsmen adapted quickly to Israeli rescue operation techniques. The training provided them an opportunity to use Israeli rescue equipment and train on construction types and materials uncommon in Indiana.
Indiana National Guard Lt. Col. Kelly Hammond commanded the Indiana Guardsmen and welcomed the opportunity to learn from the Israeli force.
“We are integrating, sharing our ideas and learning from each other,” said Hammond. “My guys on the ground are getting great takeaways from this experience.”
The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, observed the training and spoke to participants.
“It’s a testament of the friendship between us when our experts come together to learn, share and educate each other,” said Shapiro. “We are both better off and stronger.”
The Indiana National Guard will host the training event next year.
| Date Taken: | 05.21.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 05.29.2014 08:42 |
| Story ID: | 131439 |
| Location: | IL |
| Web Views: | 38 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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