First responders’ thoughts and experiences about the international search and rescue teams during the Kahramanmaras earthquakes

National capacity may be insufficient for disasters that affect many settlements and people simultaneously. This situation requires international humanitarian assistance for post-disaster search and rescue, public health, nutrition, security, and coordination. The objective of this study was to reveal the opinions of first responders about the work of the (international search and rescue) ISAR teams following the earthquakes that occurred in Türkiye on 6 February 2023. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form with 41 first responders who had worked with them or observed their work, and analyzed via thematic analysis using the MAXQDA 24 programme. The results were presented under seven themes: devotion, equipment and material sufficiency, knowledge and experience, coordination, cooperation, communication, and psychological resilience. The first responders stated that the ISAR teams worked wholeheartedly and that their knowledge, expertise, and equipment were sufficient and advanced. They also indicated that the teams worked in a coordinated manner and that their harmony with local teams and the public was great. However, when working with them, language-related communication barriers negatively affected the workflow. The results of this study will provide insight to organisations and managers who develop and implement international humanitarian aid policies.