It is the mission of Illinois Task Force One (IL-TF1) to provide a coordinated effort including necessary personnel and resources to locate, extricate, and provide immediate medical treatment to victims trapped within collapsed structures or other emergencies as requested.
In support of its mission, IL-TF1 has several goals which need to be accomplished:
- IL-TF1 members will develop and deploy efficient and effective rescue technologies in a planned and measured response that will emulate the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Guidelines on Urban Search & Rescue consistent with existing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards. Task Force capabilities will include rapid mobilization to assist with responses to natural or manmade disasters.
- Members of the IL-TF1 will conduct search and rescue operations in a professional, ethical, and compassionate manner so as to protect the dignity of the victims and the communities served.
- Members of IL-TF1 will develop and maintain the highest level of skills and capabilities required whenever deployed to natural or manmade disasters including: hurricanes, flooding incidents, tornadoes, conflagrations, explosions, earthquakes, or the use of weapons of mass destruction that result in events that are beyond the capability of local emergency service resources.