Urban Search And Rescue Team

In 1995 Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services were tasked with developing Vancouver's new Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) team with members to be assembled from a cross section of staff from many City departments including the B.C. Ambulance service.

In the spring of 1995 a steering committee of City staff met to develop a plan to assemble the team. Interest in participating as a team member was requested and approximately 125 City employees (40 from Vancouver Fire/Rescue Services) submitted applications to join the team. Each person was required to complete a physical assessment and candidates who successfully completed this test had their names placed on an eligibility list to receive the initial phase of the required training. Five (5) members from each department represented on the team, except Fire who had ten (10), attended the first training sessions in October that were conducted at the Pierce County Urban Search & Rescue training site in Washington state.

If you are interested in learning more about Vancouver's Urban Search and Rescue Team (USAR) check out their web-site at www.can-tf1.org .

VIDEO: Vancouver opens new Urban Search and Rescue Centre