Frequently Asked Questions

Scroll down to see the answers to frequently asked questions.

Still confused? Contact us.

What makes Raven Rescue different from other training providers?

We believe training should be tailored to the specific needs of each client. We approach a course for emergency personnel in an entirely different manner than one for resource managers or outdoor guides.

What laws govern training for high risk environments?

Federal legislation like Bill C-45 and provincial WorkSafe guidelines are relevant when considering what type of training should be delivered for employees who work in high risk environments like swiftwater, surface ice, confined space, or with technical rope systems.

How does my organization host a course?

We can come to you—at 10% OFF! Information on organizing a custom course on dates that work best for you, and in the location of your choice.

How do I prepare for a swiftwater course?

Detailed answers to common questions about swiftwater courses.

Choosing the right size for drysuit rentals

How do I prepare for an ice rescue course?

Detailed answers to common questions about ice rescue courses.

How do I prepare for a rope course?

Detailed answers to common questions about technical rope courses.

How do I prepare for a fall protection course?

How do I prepare for a Structural Collapse Course?

Detailed answers to common questions about our Structural Collapse Course.

How do I prepare for a Management of Water and Flood course?

Detailed answers to common questions about our Management of Water and Flood Incidents course.

What Transport Canada certification is required to operate a small boat for work?

There is considerable confusion in the wake of new Transport Canada boating legislation that came into effect at the end of 2010. New legislation says operators of small boats used for work purposes must have either a PCOC or an SVOP certification. We sort fact from fiction.

How do I prepare for a boat handling course?

Detailed answers to common questions about boat handling courses.

How do I prepare for a Wilderness Medicine course?

Wilderness Medicine courses can be intense and demanding. By following these suggestions, students will be able to maximize their learning during the course.

Which Wilderness Medicine Course Is Right for Me?

We offer a range of wilderness medicine courses from basic to first responder level. This FAQ shows which course is best for you given your needs, and how to re-certify existing certifications.

What are “Training Levels”?

There are three training levels that are recognized around the world by the technical rescue training industry. The level you need to cover off your “due diligence” requirements, or responsibility for proper training, depends on the degree of exposure you have to a particular hazard, such as moving water, surface ice or elevation. We add a fourth level called “Recreation” for those that want some basic skills to help them play more safely in high risk environments.

How are Raven Rescue courses NFPA compliant?

NFPA compliance is the degree to which the skills and knowledge taught are in keeping with the standards for technical rescues established by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

What are the NFPA 1670 and 1006 Standards?

What is NFPA 1670: Standard on Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents?

What is “low angle” versus “high angle” rope rescue?

Rope rescue operations are frequently defined in terms of the type and steepness of the terrain they are to be performed on.

What rope skills are useful to know?

To be ready for a course that includes rope skills (okay, just about all of them include rope skills) it helps to be conversant with basic knots, bends and hitches. This is particularly useful for our the intense five-day Technical Rope Rescue course, but is equally applicable to our TRR-Operations course and our Advanced Swiftwater course.

What is the ProBoard?

The purpose of the ProBoard is to establish an internationally-recognized means of acknowledging professional achievement in the fire service and related fields.

Choosing a Lifejacket or PFD for Work

In Canada, there is a range of legislation and regulations that impact on your choice of a PFD or lifejacket. Read our FAQ for specific requirements.

Does Raven Rescue have a waiver and medical form that can be filled out ahead of course time?

Yes, Raven Rescue has a waiver and medical form that you can print, fill out, and bring to your course.

Are swiftwater courses from other training providers equivalent to the ones you offer?

We recognize some courses taught by other training providers as equivalent to the courses we teach.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please read the following carefully and contact us if you have any questions.

Courses

Schedule

Upcoming Dates

Feb 13-15, 2012

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT 1)

Feb 13-15, 2011

Swiftwater - Operations

Feb 14-16, 2012

Ice Rescue - Technician

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

I've taken both the ice rescue and motorized boat handling and both courses have contributed to working safer in unsafe conditions.

Nathan Lambkin, Manitoba Hydro

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

Avoiding Foot Entrapment

On land, when you are in an emergency situation, your survival instinct is usually to stay on your feet so you’re prepared to maneuver out of the danger. When you’re in the water in an emergency, that same instinctive reaction can lead to one of the most deadly accidents: foot entrapment. From NRS e-news.

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.