RAPID UK operational members come from all walks of life but have one thing in common; they have completed the RAPID UK search and rescue course. Many come from the emergency services such as firefighters, nurses or paramedics but other volunteers bring with them their own everyday skills and experience and include engineers, builders, IT specialists and ex-forces personnel. All volunteers have to undergo, and pass, the 18-month to two-year training programme to become operational for overseas duties. This training covers all aspects of rescue work, operating in a disaster environment and humanitarian situations and issues. Once a member is accepted onto the operational register they can specialise in various areas such as search dogs, medical and boats. All volunteers are trained to use highly specialised location and rescue equipment including, thermal-imaging, sound location units, CO2 detectors, optic-cameras, hydraulic and cutting equipment. To train members and for Rapid UK to function, they must rely on the dedication of all volunteers but in particular those in the key posts of Operations Director, Training Officer, Medical Officer and Equipment Officer who all give up endless amounts of their own time. None expects payment but with your support, Rapid UK will be able to reimburse their expenses. Financial Breakdown To kit-out 10 volunteers under training @ £500 per volunteer = £5,000 12 months expenses for four key posts @ £1250 per post = £5,000