Search and Rescue

Jun. 11, 2012

Article

Calgary Finds Success with Consolidated Technical-Rescue Teams 1

Recently, the CFD consolidated the traditionally separate technical teams into an Operational Technical Team Portfolio. The grouping allows the department to better coordinate and manage the efforts of the teams to meet ever increasing operational requirements and budget priorities....More
Dec. 1, 2011

article

Fire Chief

Train Local, Act Global

A multinational exercise gives search-and-rescue teams a chance to practice complex technical operations while building relationships and finding confidence....More
Aug. 31, 2011

article

Fire Chief

Controlled Impact Rescue Tool Can Break Through Concrete in 8 Minutes, S&T Shows 1

Inside the self-contained CIRT, a small rifle shell powers a piston that drives a metal piece the size of a coke can into the concrete....More
Aug. 1, 2011

article

Fire Chief

Needles in a Haystack

After a massive tornado crushed Joplin, Mo., the city's first responders faced an overwhelming search-and-rescue operation....More
Jul. 25, 2011

article

Fire Chief

Missouri US&R Task Force Used Canines, GPS to Help with Joplin Search Efforts (with Related Video)

When Joplin (Mo.) first responders needed assistance following a devastating tornado, Fire Chief Mitch Randles called on Missouri Task Force 1, the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team based in Boone County....More
May 26, 2011

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Fire Chief

Missouri Mutual Aid Activated for Joplin Tornado Response (with Related Video)

The Kansas City Fire Department reportedly is overseeing rescue operations in — sending all rescue trucks and 35 firefighters — because the local fire department was incapacitated....More
Mar. 14, 2011

article

Fire Chief

USAID Deploys USAR Teams to Japan

California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2) and Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1) are deploying due to their direct agreement with USAID....More
Dec. 1, 2010

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Fire Chief

A Long Shot Hits

A county does the improbable by cobbling together a search-and-rescue team from career and volunteer firefighters....More
Jul. 1, 2010

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Fire Chief

The Real Deal

The carnage unleashed by the powerful earthquake that struck Haiti in January was stunning, even for seasoned first responders. Here's what one search-and-rescue team experienced and what they learned along the way....More
Jul. 1, 2009

article

Fire Chief

Paradise Not

Hawaii's idyllic setting belies an environment that makes rescue operations uniquely challenging....More