Since the 1980’s, Sound Beach has been specializing in technical rescue and is the designated technical rescue station for the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut. The Department’s volunteers have made an added commitment to become proficient in the highly technical field of rescue operations. SBVFD’s members put in countless hours of additional training, above that of a firefighter, to remain sharp on the latest advancements in the rescue field and work hard to keep the equipment operational. In addition to responding to emergency incidents within the Town, the team has also been called to render assistance to adjoining municipalities and was deployed for staging to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Since 2001, SBVFD has renewed its commitment to being prepared to respond to possible collapsed structures and continues to train in the event of a future disaster. Many SBVFD members have also joined the State’s elite Urban Search and Rescue Team, CT-TF1.
The commitment our members make to join the technical rescue program is substantial. On average, it takes approximately 40-60 hours of classroom and hands-on training to become certified specialists in each discipline, or over 280 hours total. This is just one example of SBVFD’s dedication to the community. If you are interested in learning more about joining the Department, please visit our Recruitment section.
Funding for training and to keep the technical rescue program in operation is supported primarily through the generous donations of the community. It is through this financial support that we can continue to offer these
Learn more about the exciting field of technical rescue by clicking on any of the sections below.
Vehicle & Machinery Rescue
Unfortunately, vehicle collisions are a common occurrence but thankfully they are often minor in nature. When more severe collisions occur, it is sometimes necessary to extricate people trapped within the vehicle so that they can receive the appropriate medical care. SBVFD members train on a regular basis on vehicle and machinery rescue techniques.
Learn More…Confined Space Rescue
Confined space rescue involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place only accessible through confined spaces, such as underground vaults, storage silos, storage tanks, or sewers. Rescues involving a confined space require advanced rope rescue knowledge and additional training in atmospheric monitoring, patient handling and the use of supplied air breathing systems (SABA).
Learn More…Swiftwater & Flood Rescue
Swiftwater and flood rescue response requires specialized training and equipment. SBVFD is in the process of developing one of the first
Collapse Rescue
Collapse rescue involves the location, extrication, and initial medical stabilization of victims trapped in or under a collapsed structure. Collapses can occur as the result of
Rope Rescue
Rope rescue involves the use of static nylon kernmantle ropes, anchoring and belaying devices, friction rappel devices, various devices to utilize mechanical advantage for hauling systems, and other specialized equipment to reach victims and safely recover them. Sound Beach maintains a large cache of rope rescue equipment and trains at various locations across Town.
Learn More…Trench Rescue
Rescues involving a collapsed trench are extremely dangerous, technical and time-consuming. Trench rescue involves shoring up the sides of a trench
SCUBA Rescue/Recovery
The Sound Beach Dive Team is a group of highly trained public safety divers and surface support personnel that train