Technical Rescue Operations are one of many non-fire incidents Metro West Firefighters and Paramedics may respond to during a shift.  What is Technical Rescue Operations?  I’m glad you asked!

Your Metro West Firefighters are trained to respond to and handle vehicle accidents with people trapped, water rescues including dive (normal water and ice diving), swiftwater emergencies (flash flooding), rope rescues (people trapped on or over cliffs, on water towers, etc.), aviation rescue (using helicopters to reach injured people), confined space rescues, building and trench collapses.

Three of our Engine Companies are currently outfitted as Pumper/Rescues.  This means that not only do they carry all the normal firefighting gear and equipment such as hose, air tanks, and water; but also various equipment for rescue situations.  In support of these “enhanced” engine companies are two Technical Rescue/Hazardous Materials Support Vehicles that carry the large amounts of extra equipment needed for these specialized rescues.

All of your firefighters receive training in the above rescue disciplines to help set-up and support the rescue effort.  Several members have taken their training to the highest level and have attained “Technician” certification.  These are the people that you may see dangling from a rope or getting dirty in a trench or building collapse.

Technical rescue equipment and personnel are assigned to Station #4 on Clayton Road in Ellisville.  This places the specialized equipment in a strategic location to quickly respond to all areas of the district.