Blog - The Raven Speaks

What basic equipment do I need to be able to perform a safe and effective surface ice rescue?

February 1, 2012

This is one of the questions our instructors get all the time from our students.  As such we thought we might write something up to be used as a reference and help point you in the right direction.

IKAR-CISA 2011 Conference Report

January 24, 2012

All you rescue junkies out there will appreciate this video summary of the 2011 International Congress of Mountain Rescue conference hosted last October in Sweden. It is about a half hour long so sit back, relax and enjoy!

IKAR 2011 ÅRE, SWEDEN from topograph media on Vimeo.

Determining Ice Strength 101

January 12, 2012

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“How can I determine if the ice is thick enough for me to safety operate on?” This is one of the most common questions we get from our clients. However, the question you should be asking is “How can I determine if the ice is STRONG enough for me to safely operate on?”

Find 32 days of training under your tree!

December 14, 2011

For the first time ever, Raven Rescue is offering an entire month packed with exciting first aid and technical rescue courses specifically designed for emergency responders. Never before have so many amazing instructors come together to offer this many courses in one place. Plus, several courses are being offered for the first time in Canada.

Recent Transport Canada Changes Regarding Wearing and Using Flotation Devices

November 30, 2011

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Recently Transport Canada has released some changes to regulations for wearing and using flotation devices on small non-pleasue craft and small commercial fishing vessels.  Read more to see if these changes affect you!

Summary of the 2011 International Technical Rescue Symposium

November 17, 2011

For those of you who are interested but were unable to attend we thought we would share some of the highlights from this years ITRS in Colorado. This symposium is a leading forum for up to date, state-of-the-art, technical rescue information. Rescuers representing mountain, cave, fire, industrial, and swiftwater gathered to discuss ways to improve safety and performance.

SAR Tech dies on rescue mission

November 9, 2011

A Search and Rescue Technician from Canadian Forces Base Trenton in Ontario died last week during a rescue mission in ocean water in Canada’s North.

Due Diligence in Selecting Trainers

November 8, 2011

The latest edition of Firefighting in Canada magazine contains an article in which Raven Rescue’s Executive Director Walter Bucher shares ideas on selecting a technical rescue trainer.

Harness Suspension Pathology - fact or fiction?

October 28, 2011

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If you have spent any time trying to find any substantial evidence based research on Suspension Trauma you will know that the subject is convoluted and speculative at best. At this point there is not really any substantial research and what does exist is largely opinion based.

Rescue From Vehicles in Water

October 20, 2011

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Did you know that 60% of flood deaths are attributed to people driving their vehicles into moving water? Rescue from vehicles in water is one of the most common water-related incidents faced by swiftwater teams. Are you prepared for this? 

Ice rescue courses now posted!

October 14, 2011

We’ve just posted our initial lineup of ice rescue courses for December. Courses listed for BC, Alberta, Yukon and Ontario with more to come!

Ice Safety and Self Rescue

October 3, 2011

Tis the season…...  That’s right!  Waking up to 1 degree temps this morning was a chilly reminder that winter is coming.  It is time once again to start asking yourself if you are prepared for working on or responding to ice emergencies.  We thought a little reminder about self rescue strategies and the 1-10-1 principle might help to get you started!

Belay Competency - The gold standard.

September 16, 2011

Who is the BCCTR and what is the belay competency drop test?

Coming soon….  Emergency Medical Responder Training (EMR)

September 15, 2011

You asked for it .......... so here it is! 

The CMC MPD.

September 14, 2011

What is an MPD and is it a good choice for you?

SAFETY ALERT For Users of the Petzl Absorbica Energy Absorbers

September 9, 2011

If you are currently using one of the Petzl Abosrbica Energy Absorbers you will want to read this!

Rescue 3 International TECHNICAL RESCUE ACADEMY

September 8, 2011

Join some of the Raven crew in California for the 2011 Technical Rescue Academy on October 1-14.

Wilderness Risk Management Conference

August 23, 2011

The core objective of the Wilderness Risk Management Conference is to offer an outstanding educational experience to help you mitigate the risks inherent in exploring, working, teaching and recreating in wild places.

Oceanid Rapid Deployment Craft

August 11, 2011

Versatile Inflatable Rapid Deployment Rescue Boat

International Tech Rescue Symposium - ITRS

August 11, 2011

This years ITRS is going to be hosted November 3-6 in Fort Collins Colorado.

75 Search and Rescue Stories

August 11, 2011

NRS Extreme Drysuits

July 28, 2011

Check out this “Drysuit 101” video that shows the features of the suits we use in our courses. They’re well made, tough and comfortable.

Proper Use Of The Dorsal Attachment On Your Harness

July 28, 2011

Rear “D” as point of attachment for the belay

The Canadian River Safety Project

July 28, 2011

New Canadian resource for tracking of river-related accidents

The Raven is Blogging

July 27, 2011

The Raven speaks! New blog reaches out to clients and stakeholders with an interest in rescue and safety training.

Courses

Schedule

Upcoming Dates

Mar 2-3, 2012

Ice Rescue - Technician

Mar 10-11, 2012

Ice Rescue - Technician

Mar 13-14, 2012

Ice Rescue - Technician

  • $365
  • Rocky Mountain House, AB
  • Register

See full schedule

Technical Rescue Academy

Join us for a unique series of technical rescue courses ... all in one place.  ... at a BIG discount!

Sept. 3 – Oct. 4, 2012
Squamish, BC

Never before have so many top instructors come together in Canada to teach this many technical rescue courses in one place. No matter your level of experience, you will find a variety of courses that challenge and inspire.

  • 4 Core Courses including EMR, Swiftwater Rescue and Technical Rope Rescue
  • 4 Electives including Rescue from Vehicles in Water and Confined Space Awareness
  • Optional ProBoard Evaluations in Swiftwater and Technical Rope
  • Equipment Demo Day and Steak Barbeque

See full details

The instructor was very knowledgeable and made sure all my goals got met and did so in a fun, friendly manner.

Chad Thomson, Chilliwack

BLOG: The Raven Speaks

What basic equipment do I need to be able to perform a safe and effective surface ice rescue?

February 1, 2012

This is one of the questions our instructors get all the time from our students.  As such we thought we might write something up to be used as a reference and help point you in the right direction.

read THIS ENTRY >

see MORE BLOG ENTRIES >

resources

Tips on Creating First Aid Kits

There are many excellent first aid kits on the market today. Manufacturers have done their best to take into consideration many factors, from cost to the actual contents. That is why there are so many choices in style and content.

our approach

We believe training should be tailored to the specific needs of each client. While we teach all the skills and knowledge necessary for certification, we approach a course for emergency personnel in an entirely different manner than one for resource managers or outdoor guides.