Heavy Urban Search and Rescue ( HUSAR )

[mariomike]

Something new from CAN-TF3 ( Toronto HUSAR ).

It regards HUSAR training and operations:
http://www.toronto.ca/wes/techservices/oem/husar/pdf/husar-history-tema-structure-and-training-profile.pdf

 

[pbi]

I knew one of the TFS officers involved in setting this up several years ago. The TFS was interested in getting military help with logistics and learning how to configure their gear for rapid deployment by air and road.

 

[mariomike]

I knew one of the TFS officers involved in setting this up several years ago. The TFS was interested in getting military help with logistics and learning how to configure their gear for rapid deployment by air and road.

As to what their future holds, I saw this in the news last month.

"The future of the Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team was also raised.

Made up of Toronto fire fighters, police and paramedics, the team led the rescue in Elliot Lake.

Federal funding for the team has now run out, which concerns a lawyer representing the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.":
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/elliot-lake-inquiry-commissioner-hears-rescue-suggestions-1.2424290

 

[mariomike]

Update

Nov. 17, 2015

"Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale has been tasked to restore funding for heavy urban search and rescue"
http://www.firefightingincanada.com/editors-blog/editors-blog-22078#sthash.NccMnfou.dpuf

 

[mariomike]

Probably just a co-incidence, but I can't help wondering if the timing has anything to do with Hurricane Matthew?

3 hours ago,

Government of Canada restores funding for Heavy Urban Search and Rescue ( HUSAR )
http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?nid=1134389
With this new Program, the Government of Canada will restore funding to existing HUSAR Task Forces in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Manitoba. This program will also provide support to the provinces of Quebec and Nova Scotia to build HUSAR capacity in Montreal and Halifax.

•HUSAR Task Forces are interdisciplinary and are made up of first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, and canine technicians.

 

[mariomike]

Vancouver's elite Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team is eager to help with the earthquake response in Mexico, but so far they aren't allowed.
http://bc.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1213511

 

[mariomike]

HUSAR Technical Rescue specialists may find of interest.

Today at Lansdowne and Davenport.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/trapped-construction-worker-toronto-9.7108688

Sspecialized tactical paramedics were lowered by rope to reach the worker to monitor his vital signs, manage his pain and administer medical support.

 

[mariomike]

CAN TF2 is pretty much closed as well from what I understand.

CAN-TF2 Application Window was open from December 15, 2025 – January 18, 2026.
The next recruitment intake will occur in 2028.
CAN-TF2 recruitment is Open to the public. To eligible to apply, applicants must:

• Live within 4 hours of Calgary via. ground.
• Be willing to contribute a minimum of 15 hours per quarter (60 hours per year), excluding deployments.
• Pass a Criminal Record Check
• ICS 100 or higher
• Standard First Aid or higher
• Have employer and family support for participation in the team.

CAN-TF3 is Closed to the public. ( Open to City of Toronto Police, Fire and Paramedic Services members only. )

Because HUSAR is one of our Call-Out teams members receive an annual premium.

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs ( CAFC ) had this to say,

Canadian HUSAR teams are not presently qualified with the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) which makes them ineligible for international deployment.

International deployment is not only an issue of good international relations and reciprocity building for when we need help; it is also an important training opportunity given that catastrophic events are rare.

Canadian HUSAR teams do not have national deployment agreements in place as Forest Fire suppression teams do, which means that our HUSAR capacity is not agile even within Canada. This is a safety, efficiency and training issue.

https://cafc.ca/page/HUSARpg