FDNY Search and Rescue Team in Haiti

FDNY USAR team members as they prepared to leave for Haiti.

The FDNY’s Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, as part of NY Task Force 1, helped rescue five people, who were buried under rubble in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Led by Battalion Chief Joe Downey, the 42-member FDNY team, along with 40 members of the NYPD, saved a young girl, 35-year-old man, 54-year-old American citizen and two others trapped under the rubble of a 4-story grocery store since their arrival on Jan. 16. It is assumed the victims were trapped for more than 100 hours.

Haiti has been divided into a grid, with 46 USAR teams from around the world responsible for search and rescue in their designated area.

When the New York team arrived on the island, they were split into two groups, with each group working 12-hour shifts. They rely on the assistance of the locals, who can direct them to areas were people are trapped.

Some of the trapped have been able to use cell phones to call for help.

The teams continue to search for survivors.