Standardization of Relief and Rescue Services's Iranian Red Crescent Society in the Management of Incidents and Accidents

Introduction: Adherence to standards and requirements is required to promote the quality and quantity of relief and rescue services in incident and accident management and response to local, national, and international crises. This study aims to design a comprehensive model of rescue and rescue standards for the Iranian Red Crescent Society's incident and accident management.Methods: This applied study used the meta-synthesis method and a ۷-step process. The study population included all documents related to the standard topic and ۱۸ Iranian Red Crescent Society experts who were purposefully sampled. We extracted the standard texts using conventional content analysis methods and a data extraction form to draft the standards. Expert opinions and standardization committee members were used for validation and approval through worksheets.Results: Each standard profile includes the title, standard description, key actions, evaluation criteria and indicators, and accompanying guidelines. The template for relief and rescue standards includes ten main axes: Strategic planning; operational design; resource organization and requirements; shelter space location and design; shelter camp architecture and management; storage items and equipment; supply chain and distribution items; relief and rescue nutrition management; search and technical rescue and transport; and medical emergencies. A total of ۷۷ sub-standards have been extracted, with an average of six per central axis, and their requirements have been formulated in the form of a certificate. Draft standards were approved by the standardization committee with maximum consensus.Conclusion: The standards for rescue and rescue services state that people involved in crises must continue their lives in stable conditions while maintaining their dignity and honor. These standards can guide planning, implementation, and monitoring and be a tool for evaluating the preparedness and response operations of rescue and relief in managing incidents and accidents.

Keywords:

standardization , Relief & Rescue , Iranian Red Crescent Society , Incidents and Accidents Management , Meta-Synthesis