Human resources are one of the most crucial components of disaster preparedness and emergency response. Through our network, the IFRC can deploy specialized Rapid Response personnel on a short-term basis (up to 3 months) to support emergency humanitarian operations around the world.

​Emergency Response Units (ERUs) are teams of specialized personnel and equipment that can deploy at short notice to sudden and slow on-set disasters. They can provide specific preventive as well as life-saving services when local facilities are destroyed, overwhelmed or non-existent.

Heads of Emergency Operations (HEOPs) are diverse and experienced staff who provide operational and strategic leadership in the IFRC’s largest and most complex emergency operations. They also support National Societies to plan and implement appropriate responses.

In this catalogue of surge services you will find: the role profiles of the rapid response personnel and their technical competencies frameworks, a description of the existing assets including Emergency Response Unit and others, and references to other links for further information.