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

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

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

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.
