LA County Fire Department Sends Elite Search and Rescue Team to Jamaica After Hurricane

Elite Search and Rescue Deployment

• 🚒 The Los Angeles County Fire Department is deploying its Elite International Search and Rescue team to Jamaica.
• ✈️ The 34-member team, including four specially trained canines, is en route to LAX to catch a flight to the disaster zone.
• ⏱️ The team is prepared to deploy at a moment's notice, a testament to their extensive experience in global disaster response.

Hurricane Devastation in Jamaica

• 🌪️ Jamaica was hit by a Category 5 monster hurricane, identified as Melissa, one of the strongest on record.
• 💨 The hurricane made landfall with 185 mph winds, leaving behind widespread destruction and debris.
• ⚡ Thousands are reported to be without power, and officials are struggling to assess the full extent of the death toll.

Team Composition and Mission

• 🧑‍🚒 The highly skilled team comprises firefighters, paramedics, K-9 search specialists, a physician, and structural engineers.
• 🐶 The canines are trained for both live find operations to locate trapped survivors and human remains detection for recovery efforts.
• ⚠️ The team is equipped to handle numerous hazards, including downed power lines, flooding, and structural instability.

International Collaboration and Support

• 🇺🇸 The LA County unit is one of two mobilized by the federal government, with another team from Fairfax County, Virginia.
• 🤝 The call for assistance originated from the island, with the US State Department facilitating the support from LA County Fire.
• 🌍 This deployment highlights the team's readiness to assist internationally, having previously responded to earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons worldwide.