June 27, 1989

STAFF REPORT

ORIGIN

The subject of Heavy Rescue Training was discussed at the Emergency Control
Group meeting on May 30, 1989, There is an immediate concern in regard to
Heavy Rescue in the Lower Mainland, due to the lack of individuals who are
trained in this field. This type of expertise js mandatory in order to
effectively deal with emergency situations involving a major collapse of a
structure where tunnelling or extrication is required.

ANALYSIS

The Emergency Control] Group discussed various alternatives for developing a
Heavy Rescue Training Program. These included:

1. A proposal by the Federal] Government whereby local Fire Departments
would assume responsibility for heavy rescue,

Development of an in-house training program.
Development of a Provincial Heavy Rescue Training Program.

e the necessary expertise,
resources and funding are not available. The provision of a Heavy Rescue
Training program would be beneficial on a Provincial basis; therefore,
funding should be Provided by the Provincial aS opposed to Municipal
government. For this reason, Option 3 is considered as the most viable. In
addition, this type of course Was offered by the Provincial Emergency
Program (PEP) until] 715 years ago. Staff are unsure as to the reasons why
the program was discontinued; however, the Emergency Program Coordinator
will address this issue with PEP and report to the Emergency Control] Group.

CONCLUSION

A Provincial Heavy Rescue Training Program fs urgently needed. The
Solicitor General, Angus Ree, should be advised of Council's support for the
development of this type of program. The attached draft letter has been
prepared for Committee/Council 's review.