As as MABAS Region 8 department, we often rely on the fact that we know we can outsource certain needs to other departments when we need their help. We put out a box and they come running. Good enough.
But... We have to take a Tech Rescue Awareness level through IFSI. How would it be best to approach the Chief and D/C to say "hey, what about getting 12 of our best, most physically fit volunteers and putting together an in house technical rescue team. I heard of a department that did this recently. They all did the tech rescue (trench, high angle, low angle, confined space, collapsed structure and swift/standing water) training together and then form the departments Special Rescue Company. Got a military surplus humvee, outfitted it with tech rescue gear and it has worked well. What are some suggestions you all might have on how to address this with the Officers so as to point out the benefits of having a tech rescue team in house instead of always getting it through MABAS? How can we get them to see the benefits of a true tech rescue company, going through getting the funding, etc. Anything you all have would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
A few questions first-- how many of those types of calls are in your first due area? immediate surrounding area? Whats the response time from the MABAS team? There is a huge expense to outfit a team for all aspects of tech rescue and thats not counting the training.
What about talking to the officers of your department and the MABAS team and see about training with them. That way you and your department get the benefit of the training with out incurring the expense of the equipment.
I'd check into that special rescue company that runs from just a surplus humvee, we use a heavy rescue, a pickup and a 24 ft trailer for our equipment and we are only 1/3 of our counties team. There are another 2 rescues and 2 trailers involved and we are all pushing the weight limit of the trailers. We probably carry 2 tons of lumber between the trailer and rescue and I dont think you'll get that on one humvee. If you want I'll get you a list of the stuff we carry and you could start your research from there
Our neighbouring County just started a Tech Rescue Team, they have a few members from the twelve County Departments who will be paged out as a County Team. They are currently doing their Tech Awareness stuff now, they got a grant through FEMA I think to pay for the training. Carver County, Minnesota.