This video details the prerequisites that Miami-Dade (FL) firefighters must achieve to be eligible for the department’s 80-hour SCUBA Rescue Authorization (SRA) Training Program. Additionally, personnel must already have advanced open water certifications from a nationally recognized agency. Miami-Dade’s SRA training includes surface rescue, day and night ocean open water exercises, and underwater rescues from confined spaces, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, and flood gates.
The goal of Miami-Dade’s Dive-Rescue Training program is to have as many divers in operations as possible. To that end, all fire and medic-rescue apparatus are equipped with two complete sets of dive gear. Additionally, one-person operations units, such as battalion chiefs and EMS captain field supervisors, have one complete set of dive gear. Dive-rescue assets also include two air rescue helicopters and two fire boats with rescue swimmer and diver deployment capabilities.
Currently, the department has 385 divers in operations who must meet stringent annual re-certification requirements. Video by Robert Hernandez.
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