Kansas Task Force 1, a Type 1 swift water search and rescue team, was deployed to Florida to aid in the state’s response to Hurricane Helene. The team, comprised of personnel from various Kansas fire departments and agencies, departed from Olathe and Wichita on September 24th.
The Kansas Division of Emergency Management received the request from Florida and activated the task force under the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a multi-state agreement facilitating disaster assistance.
The team will conduct search and rescue operations, including:
- Searching for and rescuing individuals
- Providing basic life support medical care
- Transporting humans and animals to appropriate locations for further transport
- Conducting shore-based and boat-based water rescues
- Rescuing animals
- Supporting helicopter and urban search and rescue operations in water environments
Kansas will be reimbursed for the costs associated with the deployment in accordance with the EMAC agreement.
