A dedicated Cambridgeshire nurse, Deborah Swann, has been recognised for her heroic efforts in disaster relief following a devastating earthquake in Morocco. As an A&E nurse at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Deborah was part of the UK International Search and Rescue (UK ISAR) team, risking her life to assist in rescue operations. Her bravery and commitment have now earned her a prestigious Humanitarian Medal from King Charles at Buckingham Palace.
Racing Against Time: The Morocco Earthquake Mission
On September 8, 2023, Morocco was struck by a powerful earthquake that caused widespread destruction, claiming thousands of lives and leaving countless families homeless. In response, the UK ISAR team was deployed to assist in search and rescue operations.
Challenges on the Ground
Deborah and her team faced extreme conditions, including:
- Dangerous travel conditions: Navigating treacherous mountain roads, facing rockfalls and landslides.
- Harsh weather: Scorching temperatures that made rescue efforts even more difficult.
- Remote locations: Many affected villages were difficult to reach, requiring helicopters and Army trucks for transportation.
Despite their tireless efforts, the team was unable to find survivors among the collapsed buildings. However, they provided medical aid to those in need, earning deep gratitude from local communities.
Recognition from King Charles
On February 18, 2024, Deborah was among the first recipients of the new Humanitarian Medal, awarded by King Charles at Buckingham Palace. This national honour recognises individuals who contribute to global humanitarian efforts on behalf of the UK government.
Speaking about the experience, Deborah said:
“It was a privilege to have an audience with the King and an absolute honour to be among the first cohort to receive the medal.”
Comparing Missions: Morocco vs. Turkey
Deborah’s deployment to Morocco followed a similar mission to Turkey earlier in 2023, after another devastating earthquake. She highlighted the stark differences between the two missions:
- In Turkey, the team worked in freezing temperatures, searching through semi-collapsed buildings and successfully rescuing multiple survivors.
- In Morocco, the destruction was more widespread and total, leaving very few buildings standing, which reduced the chances of finding survivors.
Despite this, Deborah emphasized that the gratitude of those they helped was an unforgettable part of the experience.
A Career in Disaster Response
Deborah has been a member of UK ISAR for 13 years, undergoing a gruelling selection process to join. Alongside her role as a Royal College of Emergency Medicine advanced clinical practitioner, she is also trained in:
- Confined space rescue
- Working at height
- Water rescue
- Expedition medicine
The Role of UK ISAR in Global Emergencies
UK ISAR is the UK Government’s official response team for international disasters, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The team includes experts from 14 UK fire and rescue services, along with medical teams, structural engineers, and veterinarians.
In times of crisis, UK ISAR can be deployed within six to ten hours, making it one of the fastest emergency response units in the world.
Deborah Swann’s bravery and dedication in responding to global disasters highlight the vital role of emergency medical teams in humanitarian efforts. While her work in Morocco did not lead to direct rescues, her medical assistance and support left a lasting impact on the affected communities. Her well-deserved Humanitarian Medal is a testament to her selfless service, inspiring others to step forward in times of crisis.
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