Intended CRASH Team Operations

The CRASH Team is a local, grass-roots initiative created by local first responders who recognized the increasing need for advanced fire-rescue services throughout the region they serve and call home. It has evolved via feedback into a registered charity and not-for-profit organization, set up to rely entirely on donations and fundraising to operate.

Using this funding, the Team will retain fire-rescue specialists who can be available to respond 24/7 throughout the western Alberta region. Upon request by first response agencies, the Team will deploy to complex and severe emergency incidents that require their specialized capabilities.

The Team intends operate out of Sundre, Alberta - amidst the rugged, rural and remote west-central Alberta rocky mountain region and its plethora of natural hazards.

How the Team may be set up includes a variety of possible approaches:

  1. CRASH as a stand-alone organization (similar to STARS)

  2. CRASH as a specialty branch of a Fire Department (similar to WUI teams or a city’s specialist team - but funded via donations and not the fire department)

  3. CRASH as a shared specialty fire service resources; shared by the region’s fire departments and organized via mutual aid agreements with a central base location.

Currently, CRASH will begin establishing itself as an independent organization, pending expressions of interest to collaborate or exploration of other methods of operation.

CRASH staff will be responsible for any workload incurred by the team; it does not want to result in additional workloads for any existing agencies.

What Are The Capabilities the CRASH Team aims to have?

I

Flood and Swiftwater Capabilities

  • Proficiency in Jet Boat and Zodiac Boat operations in highly technical waterways, floodwaters, and whitewater.

  • Expertise in Swift Water Rescue (technician, advanced, and custom training levels through recognized rescue institutes) for flood, whitewater and technical water rescues and night operations.

Advanced Extrication Proficiency

  • Vehicle extrication training: NFPA 1006, Big Rig Rescue, Farm Equipment extrication, and Electric Vehicle extrication.

  • Experience and expertise extricating patients from UTVs, boats, vehicles, equipment, debris, confined spaces, cliffs & canyons, and other entrapment situations with both manual and e-draulic/hydraulic tools and lifting devices.

Fire and Wildland Urban Interface Expertise

  • Firefighters with NFPA 1001 I&II, 1002 Op, 1021 level 1, 1140, 1051, 1072, WUI Crew Member, AB Wildfire Crew Member, Faller II, Nozzle Forward, and custom interior attack SAR courses.

  • Wildland Urban Interface training and experience - ability to assist as Task Force leaders.

Collapse Zone Rescue Capabilities

  • Mine Rescue and tower rescue training.

  • Expertise rescuing patients from collapsed buildings in situations involving vehicles vs buildings, tornado debris, and impacts from rock/mud slides.

  • Experience & training shoring and stabilization of collapse zones

  • Structural Collapse Specialist & Confined Space Extrication Courses

Federal, Provincial, and Local Emergency Response Experience

  • Experience working with different levels of Canadian governments conducting responses to various incidents (including floods, WUI fires, MCIs, and tornadoes).

  • Federal Incident Commander and Fire Department Incident Commander experience.

  • ICS 100-400 & role specific training.

Remote Rescue and Dangerous Wildlife Experience

  • NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue Technician & mountaineering expertise

  • Paramedic and EMR qualifications with remote trauma experience.

  • Backcountry expertise with ATV/UTV/Boat operators certifications, avalanche rescue training, Ground SAR training, and experience with dangerous wildlife (Fish & Wildlife custom training) and wilderness survival.

  • Helicopter & winch training for unique access situations.