To meet the ever-changing demands placed on first responders, today’s fire service requires a wide range of knowledge in specialized training. In keeping with these new demands, the Division of Fire Safety has worked to promote and develop Technical Rescuer training and certification. The division’s goal is to make Technical Rescuer training available to departments of all sizes and budgets in order to better prepare Missouri’s fire service for all types of hazards.

The Division of Fire Safety’s Technical Rescuer program has been designed for the front-line fire fighter and company officer acting in the heart of the fire department and will prepare him or her to make informed, responsible decisions regarding safety, communications, managing resources, pre-planning, and rescue techniques. Based on NFPA 1006-2013, the courses provide an opportunity for the student to gain new specialized knowledge and skills, with training obtained during the course to complete the relevant classroom exercises and final project.

The Division of Fire Safety offers three levels of Technical Rescuer. They are Technical Rescuer – Core, Rope Level I and Rope Level II.  The Division of Fire Safety approves the Technical Rescuer local course deliveries upon receipt of an “Application for Course Approval” from qualified instructors. The delivery format of a 40 hour Technical Rescuer - Core course consists of classroom lectures and a series of practical skills. Technical Rescuer - Core is the baseline course and a requirement to attend all other specialized Technical Rescue courses. The delivery format of a 16 hour Technical Rescuer – Rope Level I course consists of classroom lectures and a series of practical skills. The delivery format of a 16 hour Technical Rescuer – Rope Level II course consists of classroom lectures and a series of practical skills. Successful completion of an approved Technical Rescuer program is required for eligibility to take the Division of Fire Safety Technical Rescuer certification exams.

To deliver these courses locally or for course information, refer to the Technical Rescuer – Guide for Lead Instructor booklet for details on requesting resources or contact the division’s Training and Certification Unit at (573) 522-4849.

Technical Rescuer Certification Exams

Awareness

The written exam for this level consists of 100 multiple-choice questions based on the NFPA 1006-2013 standard (for questions on test referencing download the Technical Rescuer Certification booklet. Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. Students must also successfully complete a practical skills exam.

Operations

The written exam for this level consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the NFPA 1006-2013 standard (for questions on test referencing download the Technical Rescuer Certification booklet. Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. Students must also successfully complete a practical skills exam.

Technician

The written exam for this level consists of 50 multiple-choice questions based on the NFPA 1006-2013 standard (for questions on test referencing download the Technical Rescuer Certification booklet. Students have two hours to complete the written exam. The student must achieve a score of 70 percent on the exam to qualify for certification. Students must also successfully complete a practical skills exam.

The Technical Rescuer Certification exams are referenced to NFPA 1006-2013, High-Angle Rope Rescue Techniques, Fourth Edition, Jones and Bartlett Publishers and CMC Rope Rescue Manual, 4th Edition Revised.

Technical Rescuer certification is internationally accredited by IFSAC and Pro Board.