Search & Rescue Gear

Survival Skills & Co. has trained more people in Light Urban Search & Rescue than any other company. As a result we have put together some realistic guidelines with a emergency supply line to help you achieve your goals.

As professional firefighters and paramedics we believe in a no nonsense approach to emergency supplies. We have over 100 years of combined experience in handling emergencies in the field. We are prepared and look forward to outfitting your schools or businesses with ... real world solutions.

Do not go in unprepared. Along with proper training, you need the right search and rescue gear. Our Light Urban Search & Rescue equipment will enable your employees to perform safe and effective rescues based on their level of training.

Be leery of vendors who attempt to sell you fire axes, sledge hammers, military folding shovels, come-alongs, winches, 6-12 ton hydraulic jacks, rappelling equipment. These are folks who are clearly unqualified to recommend search & rescue gear. They have never performed urban search & rescue and are unaware of the difference between Heavy -vs- light rescue. FEMA has set standards for civillians with CERT (community emergency response team) training. As a CERT instructor I can assure you none of the above items are used in the training. FEMA teaches "Cribbing" as a national standard for lifting objects. We are the only company offering "Cribbing".

There is a big difference between Heavy Rescue and Light Rescue. Heavy Urban Search & Rescue involves structural collapse and compromise, Light Urban Search & Rescue involves safe structures with content damage. Civilians and Emergency Response teams /employees should not be involved in any Heavy Urban Rescues. As an employer you except a great liability when you provide tools for Heavy Rescue such as jacks, winches and fire axes. Heavy Rescue is an extremely dangerous and technical operation. To use these tools safely requires many hours of specialized training. Sledge hammers and axes for example are demolition tools and not appropriate for light rescue. The fire department historically has handled all Heavy Rescues which is typically less than 10-15% of the rescues in an affected area. Light Rescues on the other hand amount to 85-90% of the rescues in the affected area. We must have trained civilians able to identify the difference and react appropriately to the rescue.