BEND FIRE AND RESCUE

URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM

Bend Fire and Rescue responds to thousands of square miles of mountains, deserts and rivers. The area is a Mecca for river rafters and kayakers, skiers and snowboarders, hikers, bikers and wilderness enthusiasts of all kinds. All of these activities have the potential to create special rescue situations requiring skills that are adapted to the particular demands of technical rescue. To meet this challenge, Bend Fire and Rescue trains all line personnel to the level of Ice Rescue Operations, Swiftwater Operations, Rope Operations (Reach and Treat), and Confined Space support functions. Trench Operations will be added in 2005.  In addition, the department supports an Urban Search And Rescue Team consisting of thirteen rescue specialists. Members of the team use NFPA 1670 and 1006 as training and certification guides.  Monthly team training covers such skills as Rope Rescue, Confined Space, Vehicle and Machinery Rescue, Water Rescue, and Trench and Excavation Rescue.                   

Each ambulance is equipped with PFD's, helmets and throwbags, reach and treat kits, and SCBA's. In addition, the heavy rescue unit carries complete gear for higher levels of special rescue, including steep angle victim removal equipment, drysuits and ice suits, supplied air breathing apparatus, tripod and rigging for vertical victim removal from confined spaces, and a cascade system for SCBA refilling and SABA support. The department also has a 14 foot inflatable self bailing river raft and trailer for swiftwater rescue responses. All rescue specialists are trained in whitewater paddle boat guiding on the Deschutes River, and are required to have guided through Class III rapids or larger to be a boat handler.

Future plans call for expanding capabilities to include collapse rescue, enhancing training by having periodic multi-juridictional rescue scenarios for the team, and replacing and improving equipment as the art of special rescue changes over time.

As the recreational opportunities continue to increase in the Bend area, and the number of people taking advantage of all there is to do here grows ever larger, Bend Fire and Rescue will continue to offer the highest level of professional technical rescue available to our many visitors.