B-Fast
The origin of the project
When earthquakes hit Turkey in August and November 1999, Belgium was on both occasions among the first countries to provide relief and assistance. Although the assistance from our country was highly appreciated, our Government has deemed it necessary to set up a structure that can be mobilised at any time. Its objective is to give a quicker and more efficient response to emergency situations. When human lives are at stake, one can never be too efficient.
In November 2000, on the proposal of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Home Affairs and the Minister for Defence, the Federal Council of Ministers authorised the creation of a rapid response structure with a view to sending emergency aid teams to a country or countries affected by a man-made or natural disaster.
On 28th February 2003 a "royal arrest" has legalised the B-F.A.S.T. and confirmed its role.
Organisation of the Belgian First Aid & Support Team (B-FAST)
This interdepartmental structure, gathering the Services of the Prime Minister, the Federal Public Services Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation, Public Health & Environment, Home Affairs, Budget and Defence is under the authority of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Within FPS Foreign Affairs responsibility for coordination is vested with a group operating within the services reporting directly to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
When a crisis breaks out, speed of reaction is of paramount importance; a decision must be taken immediately and the Belgian emergency teams must be mobilised within 12 hours following a decision to act. Action on site lasts in principle 10 days.
