Technical Resuce

The Technical Rescue contingency for Tampa Fire Rescue was separated from the Hazardous Materials Unit and now operates from Aerial #1. The team was separated from the Hazardous Materials unit due to the complexity and intense training required for not only the Hazardous Materials Technicians but also the Technical Rescue Specialists.

The teams responsibilities consist of rescuing entrapped victims requiring :

1. Auto Extrication
2. Confined Space Rescue
3. Vertical Rope Rescue
4. Structural Collapse
5. Urban Search and Rescue

In addition to the rescue duties, the team operates as the Aerial Company located at Fire Station #1. Currently, the teams main chariot of equipment is a 1997 Emergency One 95’ Aerial Platform that carries most of the specialized rescue tools also at their disposal is a 20 foot trailer which carries all the USAR equipment.   In addition to the new aerial, specialized rescue equipment for auto extrication, vertical rope rescue, and structural collapse incidents has been purchased. As mentioned before, the training required for the variety of rescues the company may be called upon to assist with becomes very complex and intense.  The members have completed the State of Florida Rope Technician I and II courses for vertical rope rescue and the State of California Rescue Systems I course for structural collapse rescues. Within the next couple of months they will be starting the Rescue Systems II course.