VATF-2 currently has a Type I Task Force (80 members), the East Coast IST Cache (8 members), and 6 members on the RED IST deployed to Florida in response to TC Idalia.
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The National Urban Search and Rescue System
The National Urban Search and Rescue System was established under the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1989. It is a framework for structuring local emergency service personnel into integrated disaster response task forces. Virginia Task Force 2 is a specialized rescue organization comprised of highly trained Firefighters, Technical Rescue Technicians, EMS Personnel, Canine Handlers, Engineers and Physicians from various cities and departments located throughout the region; such as Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, James City County, Henrico County, Navy Regional, Newport News, Norfolk, Hampton, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Williamsburg and York County.
USAR Mission:
The National Urban Search and Rescue System was established under the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1989. It is a framework for structuring local emergency service personnel into integrated disaster response task forces. VATF-2 is located at 513 Viking Drive in Virginia Beach, Virginia and is under the leadership of Fire Chief Ken Pravetz. The Task Force can be deployed by FEMA to any national emergency or disaster.
Capabilities of VATF-2
- Physical Search and Rescue Operations – in damaged or collapsed structures.
- Emergency Medical Care – for entrapped victims, task force members and search canines.
- Reconnaissance – to determine damage and provide damage assessments for local, state and federal officials.
- Survey and Evaluate Hazardous Material Situations.
- Structural and Hazard Evaluations – of buildings needed for immediate occupancy to support disaster relief operations.
- Stabilization – of damaged structures that include shoring and cribbing operations.
- Coordination of the Federal Resources – in an effect to locate, extricate and provide initial medical care and treatment to victims trapped within collapsed structures resulting from a disaster.
