UK DOMESTIC PRIMARY FOCUS
SEARCH & RESCUE - OUR VISION
Our Vision is safer, more secure & prepared communities in the United Kingdom and around the world.
SEARCH & RESCUE MISSION
- To work in partnership with authorities and to provide Emergency Preparedness and Operational Responsiveness to achieve the vision
- To enhance the safety and security of residents and visitors to the UK
- To serve on National and International Missions in a Search & Rescue, Medical, Humanitarian and Educational Capacity - supporting our ethos: "That Others may Live"
UK SEARCH & RESCUE MANDATE
- To provide Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Management Services
- To provide SAR (Search & Rescue) resources in the UK or worldwide
- To act as an Umbrella Body for our other ERT (Emergency Response Teams)
- To provide Awareness, Training and Education
- To provide a UK community model similar to the US CERT & Canadian CERV (but of a locally organized and highly trained operational group of emergency volunteers to support the emergency services and modern Civil Defence / Civil Protection models. (Many of whom, work or used to work in a full time capacity in their specialist fields and to be able to offer Advanced and Specialist SAR services in that regard.)
VIDEOS: (Copy the url code into your browser's area)
This was one of the first videos on ERT SAR in the early days when we were still called OSAR.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBZU8lUB5s8
_________________________________________
This one was filmed upon return from Pakistan whilst prepping for another mission in the Indian Ocean. (Note we were transitionally known as UKSAR at this time.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cb3KWf5F-d8
_________________________________________
Founding: OSAR becomes ERT SAR.
Registered Charity 1102722 & International SAR NGO www.ert-sar.org info@ert-sar.org
Fawley Court, Henley, RG9 3AE UK (c) Copyright 2007
Founded 1st December 2002, ERT Search and Rescue was formerly known as "Oxfordshire Search and Rescue" or "OSAR." Whilst working in London during 2004 the team received many comments about "Why is Oxfordshire in London?" Although some charities from Oxfordshire, like OXFAM, work in London - it seemed strange to some to see that on the vehicles and on uniforms. Many thought that their Search and Rescue response was only in Oxfordshire.
In fact the ERT SAR response and membership, although Headquartered in Oxfordshire is actually a National and International one - so the name was changed from OSAR or Oxfordshire Search and Rescue, in 2006.
The name "ERT" or the "Emergency Response Team", was a suggestion from a Police Officer. So ERT Search and Rescue was born from OSAR and as ERT enters their 6th year there are many moves afoot to have teams not only all over the UK, trained and able to respond to the emergency services, but also abroad - with 3 country teams in application.
If one looks carefully, it is possible to see the axes in white at the end of the crosses. These represent the TECHNICAL Aspect of SAR traditionally given to fire fighters and specialist rescue teams.
The name and function of “Emergency Response” and “Search and Rescue” is written around. The ERT SAR logo was designed and drawn by the founder Gary Foo – and was extrapolated from the original OSAR drawing which was drawn on 8th January 2003.
Added: Laurel Leaves (laurus nobilis)
Five years after the anniversary of their founding, laurel leaves were added to encircle the original logo. In Greek and Roman times, laurel leaves were woven into a crown and given to outstanding citizens who performed a heroic action. (Laurel leaves, also known as bay leaves, are infamous for their bitter, spicy taste found in many food dishes. Not only are bay leaves are traditionally used for cooking but also their medicinal value – and these represent the strong medical links with ERT SAR.)
This represents the the Search & Rescue community’s courageous and virtuous spirit.
Also, the leaves of a laurel grow together on trees or large bushes – representing the esprit de corp (Team Spirit) of the organization and the team ethic of their members.
All of these aspects were put on a background of a protective shape of a shield, which in a heraldic sense, represents the 'safety and protective' aspects of SAR. This is highlighted with their organization’s ERT Search and Rescue motto above: “… That Others May Live….”
IN SUMMARY:
The blue arrows and white “X” represent the SEARCH. The Outer two rings the RESCUE. The Axes and ropes the Technical Aspects of SAR and the Laurel Leaves, the TEAM approach and noble pursuits of their members – The ‘Motto’ at the bottom: “That Others May Live”
In fact the ERT SAR response and membership, although Headquartered in Oxfordshire is actually a National and International one - so the name was changed from OSAR or Oxfordshire Search and Rescue, in 2006.
The name "ERT" or the "Emergency Response Team", was a suggestion from a Police Officer. So ERT Search and Rescue was born from OSAR and as ERT enters their 6th year there are many moves afoot to have teams not only all over the UK, trained and able to respond to the emergency services, but also abroad - with 3 country teams in application.
Explanation of the ERT Search and Rescue Logo
 | The two outer circles represent a RESCUE ‘Life Buoy’ (the ring that is thrown from a ship or vessel) representing deployment and a ringed flotation device. This is also in recognition of the strong links with the water rescue community and their Marine Unit and the WATER aspect of SAR. The circles and are also representative of the rotating blades of a helicopter as seen from above, representing the AIR aspect of SAR. .The arrows represent the 4 points of the compass, the cross of Medical Aid and the converging points of a search to locate – at “X” – marks the spot. It also represents ever-closing circles of a search to pinpoint the target. This also signifies the LAND aspect of SAR. |
If one looks carefully, it is possible to see the axes in white at the end of the crosses. These represent the TECHNICAL Aspect of SAR traditionally given to fire fighters and specialist rescue teams.
The name and function of “Emergency Response” and “Search and Rescue” is written around. The ERT SAR logo was designed and drawn by the founder Gary Foo – and was extrapolated from the original OSAR drawing which was drawn on 8th January 2003.
Added: Laurel Leaves (laurus nobilis)
Five years after the anniversary of their founding, laurel leaves were added to encircle the original logo. In Greek and Roman times, laurel leaves were woven into a crown and given to outstanding citizens who performed a heroic action. (Laurel leaves, also known as bay leaves, are infamous for their bitter, spicy taste found in many food dishes. Not only are bay leaves are traditionally used for cooking but also their medicinal value – and these represent the strong medical links with ERT SAR.)
This represents the the Search & Rescue community’s courageous and virtuous spirit.
Also, the leaves of a laurel grow together on trees or large bushes – representing the esprit de corp (Team Spirit) of the organization and the team ethic of their members.
All of these aspects were put on a background of a protective shape of a shield, which in a heraldic sense, represents the 'safety and protective' aspects of SAR. This is highlighted with their organization’s ERT Search and Rescue motto above: “… That Others May Live….”
IN SUMMARY:
The blue arrows and white “X” represent the SEARCH. The Outer two rings the RESCUE. The Axes and ropes the Technical Aspects of SAR and the Laurel Leaves, the TEAM approach and noble pursuits of their members – The ‘Motto’ at the bottom: “That Others May Live”