Once the appropriate level of operational capability has been determined, the AHJ must then provide for training in the responsibilities that are commensurate with the operational capability of the organization, and provide for the continuing education necessary to maintain all requirements of the organization's identified level of operational capability. Once the operational level has been identified, the AHJ shall establish operational procedures consistent with the identified level of operational capability to ensure that technical SAR operations are performed in a manner that minimizes threats to rescuers and others. Technician level: represents the capability of organizations to respond to technical SAR incidents, and to identify hazards, use equipment, and apply advanced techniques specified in this standard necessary to coordinate, perform, and supervise technical SAR incidents. Operations level: represents the capability of organizations to respond to technical SAR incidents, and to identify hazards, use equipment, and apply limited techniques specified in this standard to support and participate in technical SAR incidents.

This standard also advocates the establishment of written Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) consistent with one of these operational levels:Īwareness level: represents the minimum capability of organizations that provide response to technical SAR incidents.

And, the AHJ must then plan for it, train for it, and allocate the necessary resources to manage the appropriate response at that level.Īccording to NFPA 1670, the AHJ shall establish levels of operational capability needed to conduct operations at technical SAR incidents safely and effectively, based on hazard identification, risk assessment, training level of personnel, and availability of internal and external resources.

Identify the level of operational capability needed andĪs a responder to technical rescue incidents, the AHJ needs to determine the level of response the authority is compelled to provide.

Assess the technical rescue hazard within their specific response area.

These standards are intended to assist the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to: Although these standards were designed for all types of Technical Rescue operations, they also address water and ice rescue operations. The purpose of this standard is to minimize threats to rescuers while conducting operations at technical SAR incidents, and the standard deals specifically with identifying and establishing levels of functional capability for conducting technical rescue operations safely and effectively. In February 2004, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) published NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents.

As 1670 standard