Abu Dhabi: The first Arab to hold a vice-presidential position at an international search and rescue group believes the work requires inner motivation and the ability to make sacrifices in order to help others.
Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Abdul Jalil Al Ansari is chief of the search and rescue at Abu Dhabi Police’s General Directorate of Central Operation, as well as head of the UAE Search and Rescue Team. He is also the vice-president of the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
In a statement sent by Abu Dhabi Police, Lt Col Al Ansari was identified as “one of the unknown soldiers who works silently and let their actions speak for them”. Earlier this year, he was also awarded the Best On-Site Officer.
“Search and rescue tasks are voluntary and cannot be tailored to fit a specific person. [In addition to inner motivation], workers should also possess the ability to take the right decision at the right time, excel at teamwork and continue developing themselves,” Lt Col Al Ansari said.
Lt Col Al Ansari graduated from the Police College in 1998, and joined the criminal security department at the Ministry of Interior in 1999. Afterwards, he worked with the Directorate General of Guards and Special Tasks. Following this, he began work with the emergency and rescue section, and is the longest-serving officer there.
The official explained that Search and Rescue was established in 2001 as a specialist team that offers quick responses during emergencies. It was created after an accident between a bus and a truck between Abu Dhabi and Dubai left five pilgrims dead and injured 26 others.
“In 2005, the team engaged in its first international contribution after the Balakot Earthquake in Pakistan. In 2009, steps were taken towards making the team more professional, and we acquired the accreditation of the INSARAG in December of that year. This meant that we were the first INSARAG-certified search and rescue team across the Middle East and North Africa,” Lt Col Al Ansari said.
The entity coordinates between personnel within various units at the Abu Dhabi Police to deal with emergencies, including emergency and public safety officials and medical service staff.
“On the local level, we provided assistance after Cyclone Gonu and Cyclone Phet impacted the eastern shores of the UAE. We have also helped during the heavy rains witnessed by the northern emirates in recent years. Internationally, we have provided aid after the 2008 earthquake in Afghanistan, and to Indonesia following tremors they experienced in 2006, 2007 and 2009,” Lt Col Al Ansari said.
In order to provide optimal support following emergencies, the team uses a range of modern equipment.
“For example, we use a remote-controlled helicopter bearing a camera, and are the first to use this equipment globally. The camera helps team leaders to evaluate risks in a work area, and follow up on rescue operations remotely,” Lt Col Al Ansari explained.
In the meantime, the official is also developing new training methods for personnel, and collaborating with GCC countries’ and Jordan’s search and rescue teams to set unified rules and procedures for operations.
