PRO-SAR (NFPA 1006 & 1670) (Schedule Link)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Meeting the NFPA 1006 and 1670 code standards, the PRO-SAR Swiftwater Rescue Training is the Gold Standard in surface water training for the public service sector We commonly host agency trainings or travel to the agencies area of operations for training. Please contact us to discuss your needs and our ability to meet them.

Training will meet the NFPA code 1006 Job Performance Requirement (JPR’s) objectives as defined by the NFPA for Operations and Technician Level training in surface, flood, swift water. If you are unsure if your agency needs NFPA compliant swift  water training, please inquire with your training officer or contact us for more information. Most agency trainings are tailored to fit the AHJ response model.

This 3 day Technician level course generally has 2 hours of classroom instruction each morning to front-load the days objectives. This will be immediately followed-up with developing and practicing technical water and rope rescue skills throughout the remainder of the day. The initial emphasis is on self-rescue and hazard avoidance, and other objectives include hydrology, hazards and obstacles, basic rescue equipment, setting up basic rope systems, controlling in-water contact rescues, extrication, site control and scene management, as well as understanding the common terminology related to all swift water rescue deployments. In order for personnel to meet all training objectives for Operations and Technician, a technical level ropes course is also required and the onus is on the agency/personnel to make this happen. SSI will execute all in-water required training during our PRO-SAR course under the NFPA framework, and initiate an NFPA Position Task Book for all personnel.

In-house training is designed for the AHJ’s direct needs and an evaluation of the AHJ’s Emergency Response Plan with regard to a water response that may be conducted. Additionally, we have refined the recertification process saving money and hours involved in an effort to better facilitate on-going training for the agency, by offering a train the trainer program.

ONLINE MODULES: Yes, 2 hours required online training.

MINIMUM AGE: 18

CERTIFICATION: Up to 3 years

PREREQUISITES:

  1. Proficient swimmer
  2. Physically capable
  3. Desire to learn
  4. All of the necessary PPE
  5. Meet all Essential Eligibility Criteria

NATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (NFPA) levels of functional capability:

  • Awareness
  • Operations
  • Technician

SWIFTWATER CODES (NFPA:)

  • NFPA 1006 – Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications (JPR’s)
  • NFPA 1670 – Operations and Training for the Technical Search and Rescue Incident (AHJ)

As defined by the NFPA 1670 standard, Technician level is only achieved by becoming a water and rope technician. These courses are only taught to professionals and hosting agencies. Please call for availability.

COURSES NEEDED TO BECOME A “Swiftwater Technician” UNDER THE NFPA MODEL

  • Swiftwater Rescue Training (1006 OPS) NFPA
  • Swiftwater Rescue Training (1006 Technician) NFPA (OR)
  • PRO-SAR course that meets all in-water training requirements under code 1006 for Surface Water, Swiftwater and Floodwater
  • Technical Rope Rescue – Technician Level (TRR-TL) This may be satisfied with in-house training.

SSI INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION

Internationally recognized 3 year Swiftwater Technician (PRO-SAR) NFPA 1670 & 1006 Compliant – Certification of Course Completion – with satisfactory practical and written skills evaluations. On occasion, it may be deemed by your instructor that a one or two year certification is more appropriate based on practical skills evaluations. This will be outlined in the SSI Core Competencies. We also utilize an NFPA Position Task Book as validation markers of your training.

PRO-SAR Objectives

  • Hydrology
  • Forces of water
  • Victim behavior
  • Local policies
  • Rope handling
  • Communication
  • Leadership and management
  • Rescue limitations
  • Swimming techniques
  • Swim and float directionally
  • Safety checks
  • PPE
  • Subject removal techniques
  • Entry rescues
  • Anchor construction
  • Search and Rescue techniques
  • Water and weather resources

Additional Technician Modules:

  • Construct highline over water
  • Tethered craft rescue
  • Use of watercraft if used by agency