About WCUSAR

History Team Certifications and Training Required Team Participating Agencies Organizational Chart Mission Statement Picture of Team

Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team History

The Washtenaw Area Mutual Aid Association approved the consolidation of area fire department technical rescue teams in order to create a more effective response system to respond to incidents beyond the capabilities of local jurisdictions. The combined resources became known as the Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team.

The goal of the Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team is to become trained and equipped to the Type II USAR Task Force Level, and continue to be readied to respond quickly and efficiently to technical, heavy and urban search and rescues within and near the borders of Washtenaw County that tax the available equipment or capabilities of the fire authority having jurisdiction. The team is currently trained and equipped to provide the following services.

• Elevation Rescues – Above and Below Grade
• Trench Collapse Rescues
• Structural Collapse Rescues
• Confined Space Rescues
• Surface Water Rescues
• Vehicle Rescues
• Machinery Rescues
• Agricultural Rescues
• Fire Department - Rapid Intervention Team

Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team Member Training & Certification:

Team member initial requirements:

• Fire Fighter I and II
• Hazardous Materials Operations
• MFR – EMT or higher license preferred
• Previous heavy / technical rescue experience and / or training preferred
• Employed by Washtenaw Area Mutual Aid Association department with the fire chief approval

As team members are assigned to the Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team, they are required to attend bi-monthly training sessions and additionally complete at least one of the following training programs per year until they complete all trainings listed below and become certified Rescue Specialists.

• Vehicle Extrication
• Advanced Extrication / Stabilization Techniques
• Semi Extrication
• School Bus Rescue
• Rope Rescue Operations
• Confined Space Operations
• Trench Rescue Operations
• Trench Rescue Technician
• Structural Collapse Operations
• Structural Collapse Technician
• Agricultural Rescue
• Urban Search and Rescue Medical Specialist
• Heavy Rigging Technician
• Ice Rescue Technician
• Machinery Rescue Operations

Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team Participating Member Agencies

The Washtenaw County Urban Search and Rescue Team is made up of fire and rescue service personnel that belong to the Washtenaw County Mutual Aid Association. Participating members represent the following agencies.