Did you know that Emergency Services has three specialty teams that are trained to respond to a variety of emergencies that require specific additional training? These teams have been deployed locally and provincially to assist those in need.

Technical Response Team

This team offers specialty rescue services such as technical rope rescue, confined space rescue and urban search and rescue (USAR) including structural collapse and trench rescue. 

The team practices on the slopes of the North Saskatchewan River, repelling down buildings and in small, confined spaces. 

Please note training dates listed below are subject to change and will be updated when possible. 

Unmanned Aerial Team (UAV)

The UAV team has eight advanced pilots trained to fly one of two unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). 

One UAV is equipped with a heat-seeking camera that can assist with finding hot spots during wildfires or during search and rescue operations. The other UAV can fly inside structures and confined spaces. During an incident or investigation, the UAVs may fly slower and lower over properties as part of the response. Please do not disrupt them during their operations.

Our Advanced UAV pilots receive their federal certification through Transport Canada and are required to write a comprehensive exam, perform a practical flight examination and must prove competency every two years. Additionally, SCES UAV pilots have received their Professional Radio Operator Certificate, which allows them to monitor and communicate with planes in the area if necessary.

The use of UAVs is becoming more common in emergency services and applications for their use are constantly being expanded. The UAV team has assisted many other agencies and municipalities during incidents. 

In October of 2014, SCES received certification to fly as part of its operations. 

Please note training dates listed below are subject to change and will be updated when possible. 

Water rescue team

This team is trained to respond to aquatic emergencies quickly and effectively. This team trains throughout the year to practice rescues for each season. 

It is very important during the spring melt, to stay off the river and take extra precautions when around large bodies of water. 

Unique to the region, Strathcona County has an airboat that is very similar to the ones most people associate with the everglades in Florida. It has a very large fan that propels the boat across water, ice or snow. It has been used to rescue people on the North Saskatchewan River and on some of our larger bodies of water in the County. 

The boat can be quite loud especially on a cold winter day. If you live near Half Moon Lake, Hastings Lake, North or South Cooking Lake, you may hear it when the team is training or during a rescue. 

Please note training dates listed below are subject to change and will be updated when possible.