Featured photo: Volunteer Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) members take photos and video during a celebration in Cancún for their group’s certification by the national government. Photo by RET.

Article by Mehni González Contreras, Mexico National Projects Coordinator for RET

Mariachi music filled the air as uniformed heroes, faces beaming with pride, raised their voices in song. At a hotel in Cancún, Quintana Roo in the Mexican Caribbean, a vibrant celebration and joyous spectacle marked the official certification of Mexico’s first all-volunteer Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) group, the Cancún International Rescue Brigade (BRIC).

Photos by RET.

“When a disaster strikes, the initial moments are critical… A well-prepared and trained nation is more likely to withstand and recover from disasters.”

–Tim Callaghan, USAID/BHA Regional Director for LAC

This incredible achievement is the culmination of a collaborative effort driven by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and implemented by RET. Their vision: to equip the region with a network of highly skilled USAR teams, ready to spring into action when disaster strikes.

This is the continuation of a partnership which started with the formation of a regional technical team. Experts from Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico (pictured above, right) joined forces, sharing knowledge and adapting crucial training materials. This revamped curriculum, the Intermediate Course for Collapsed Structures (CI-BREC), incorporated not only the latest lifesaving techniques but also a strong emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring all potential rescuers could be part of the solution.

Tim Callaghan, USAID/BHA Regional Director for LAC, emphasizes the importance of such initiatives: “When a disaster strikes, the initial moments are critical… A well-prepared and trained nation is more likely to withstand and recover from disasters.” By bolstering USAR capabilities across Latin America, USAID/BHA is actively building regional resilience.

Photos by RET.

The project didn’t stop there: In 2023, the state of Jalisco’s USAR Group received invaluable support from RET, leading to their successful re-accreditation. This regional training not only honed the skills of 130 brave and experienced responders but also laid the groundwork for BRIC’s historic achievement.

With BRIC now officially certified, Mexico boasts a vital new layer of protection for its citizens. This volunteer group stands ready to join forces with other USAR teams, forming a powerful network of first responders dedicated to saving lives in the aftermath of disasters. The fiesta in Cancun is a fitting tribute to their dedication, a testament to the power of collaboration, and a symbol of hope for a safer future across Mexico with more developments to come in 2024.

To help us continue this critical work in Mexico, consider making a recurring donation to RET today.