Tech Rescue FAQ's
Q: What are the 8 hr Skills Challenge classes?
A: The Skills Challenge classes are an effort to help place individuals into the class that best fit their skills. For many people that have previous rope rescue training, but are not yet technicians, they possess the basic skills taught in the “Introduction to Technical Rescue” 48 hr class. If a person should choose to challenge the week long class, they will need to take the written test and demonstrate the performance skills associated with that class. They can do this by taking the “Introduction to Technical Rescue Skills Challenge.” If/when the candidate passes; they will have the prerequisites needed for the next class in the series.
Just like a department can go to Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council to challenge an NPQ test, an individual (or department) can challenge the basic Tech Rescue Classes through the
Q: Can my department request a Skills Challenge or do I need to come to GPSTC?
A: Yes. Just like many other classes, all you need is to submit a field training request for the course. If there are enough candidates, appropriate facilities for the testing and equipment provided by the host department, we will visit your department to offer the course. The two challenges available are: Introduction to Technical Rescue Skills Challenge and the Core Qualifications Skills Challenge. Any Technician-level testing request should go to Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council.
Q: Will I be able to host a GFA Tech Rescue Class at my facility?
A: Yes. Just submit a Field Training Request and the program coordinator will contact you to coordinate some dates. There are many requests that have already been made and the demand is high. We are making efforts to balance off-site and on-campus deliveries. Currently classes are being scheduled 9 months in advance. As long as the hosting facility has an appropriate training site and equipment, budgeting is in place, and updated instructors are available, the GFA will consent to field training.
Q: I’ve seen the online calendar, and there are only a few Tech Rescue classes listed. Are there going to be more this year?
A: Yes. The new classes take a lot of coordination and in an effort to prevent cancellations, they are only posted on the training calendar when they are definitely “a go.” We will continue to add more classes as schedules, budgeting, and instructors are available. Keep checking the calendar monthly to view the most recent availabilities.
Q: Will the current testing for Rope Rescue change?
A: The GA Fire Academy is working hand-in-hand with the GA Firefighters Standards and Training Council to assure continuity between the course curriculum and the testing methods evaluated by GFSTC. Some changes are expected, just as the NFPA standards change, and both agencies are working to update the program(s) while maintaining consistency.
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