Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prepare for a Structural Collapse Course?

Q. How is the course organized?
Day 1 is a classroom session. Days 2 - 4 are practical sessions held outside.

Q. How long does the course run each day?
The course runs 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily, unless otherwise stated, with a break for lunch.

Q. Do I have to attend the whole course?
Attendance all four days is required in order to receive certification. Anyone more than 30 minutes late (without prior notification) will not be allowed to continue the course. This is for safety reasons and out of consideration for other students.

Q. Will I get a confirmation that the course is going ahead?
You will recieve a reminder about the course by email approximately 10 days before the course. You will also receive a cell phone number for your instructor in case of any last minute problems. If you have not received this information within 3 days of the course, please get in touch with us immediately.

Q. Is pre-reading required?
No, pre-reading is not required. You will receive a manual from the instructor on Day 1.

Q. What do I need for Day 1 (the classroom session)?

  • Be prepared for note-taking
  • Dress for the weather as you may go outside in the afternoon

Q. What do I need for the practical sessions on Days 2-4?

  • Construction helmet (hard hat)
  • Leather-palmed gloves
  • Steel-toed boots
  • Safety glasses
  • Ear protection
  • Coveralls or durable work clothes
  • Outerwear suitable for the weather

Q. How long do I have to wait for my certification or paperwork?
Your instructor will provide your paperwork on the final day of the course. No waiting for it to never arrive by mail.

Q. What kind of paperwork do I get?
Upon conclusion of the course on Day 4, you will receive:

  • A certificate of completion
  • A wallet card showing your certification & date of expiration
  • Personalized skill sheet – documenting the skills & knowledge you performed or observed
  • A detailed manual for future reference

Q. What if I lose my paperwork?
Part of what sets us apart from other training providers is the attention we pay to record-keeping. Certification isn’t worth much if you can’t prove it, so every student is entered into our database and in the future, if you ever need to verify your credentials for employment or legal reasons, all it takes is a phone call or email to obtain a copy of your training record, same day, by email.

Q. How long is my certification valid for?
Your certification is valid for three years from date of issue, unless your employer specifies that you must re-cert more frequently.

Q. Are meals included?
No, you are responsible for all your own meals.

Q. Is there a detailed course outline?
Please see the course description on our website. Click on the grey button at the top of any page that says “Other” to read about the special courses we offer.

Courses

Schedule

Upcoming Dates

May 24-25, 2012

Wilderness First Aid

May 25-27, 2012

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT 1)

June 1-3, 2012

Swiftwater - Technician (SRT 1)

See full schedule

Did not just teach book skills, related practical knowledge and used common sense in instruction - FANTASTIC!

Scott Driver, Cranbrook Fire Department

BLOG: The Raven Speaks

resources

Moving Water and Ice - A Deadly Combination

By Slim Ray, CFS Press

These adverse conditions only add to the danger, difficulty and time available for a swiftwater rescue, so take these steps to significantly reduce your risk in locations with moving water and ice.

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.