Emergency patient care
All fire suppression staff receive comprehensive team training covering all aspects of providing emergency patient care including the subjects of trauma management, CPR, infection control and emergency services operations. The firefighters maintain their certification through ongoing practical, oral, and written testing procedures.
Over and above this however, a specialized team of firefighters have received additional training in Emergency Patient Care operations (EAC). This "EPC Team" works closely with other allied emergency services agencies to ensure that emergency patients receive vital life saving care. This Team meets regularly and is tested by means of scenarios, educational sessions and specialized programs (i.e. Air and land ambulance ride along, Basic Trauma Life Support training, Emergency First Responder certification, etc.)
The department utilizes modern basic life supporting equipment such as defibrillators, oxygen therapy and other devices. The use of blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes, automatic thermometers, airways and spinal immobilization equipment allows us to continue assessment and basic life saving care until medical aid and transport to the hospital can be provided.
You can help emergency services personnel by becoming a vital link in the chain of survival. Learn CPR and first aid techniques. Your quick action will aid the emergency services in saving a life!
Hazardous Material Response Team
The Hazardous Materials Response Team was formed and is comprised of 20 staff members trained to those competencies of the Technician Level of NFPA 472 . 'Team Mandate' is to safely and effectively assess the risk, protect the lives of both the emergency responders and the public and to limit property loss and environmental damage. During an emergency incident, the Team is supported by the Fire Suppression Division staff that have been trained to the Awareness Level of NFPA 472.
The Hazardous Materials Response Team trains regularly throughout the year to maintain and upgrade their skills. Many of the practical training sessions are conducted off site, in various locations throughout the community.
The Hazardous Materials Response Team operated a full equipped tandem axle trailer that is used to store and transport the Team's equipment. Once on site at a hazardous materials incident, equipment is deployed to mitigate the effect of hazardous materials. Remember, when thinking about hazardous materials, it's not if it might happen, it's when.
Technical Rescue Team (TRT)
The Technical Rescue Team is comprised of highly trained and skilled firefighters who respond to dangerous and specialized rescue incidents such as ice and water rescues. The team performs other specialized rescue functions involving high angle (rope) rescue, trench collapse, and large animal rescue. The firefighters who form the nucleus of the team must demonstrate proficiency in a number of disciplines and are tested regularly to ensure that their skill levels are maintained at the highest levels. Rigging skills, rappelling skills, swimming skills, the ability to work as part of a coordinated, cohesive unit, the ability to improvise and strong physical attributes are essential qualities of those who qualify for membership on the team. The team trains regularly, practicing and drilling on basic rescue skills and techniques that are paramount to the successful outcome of any rescue situation.