At what level of technical rescue training do firefighters participate by recognizing hazards, securing, and calling for assistance?

The Awareness level of technical rescue training is the foundational level where firefighters are trained to recognize hazards, secure the scene, and call for assistance. At this stage, firefighters gain critical knowledge about the types of hazards they might encounter in various rescue situations, such as structural collapses, hazardous materials, and water rescues. They are not trained to perform rescues themselves but are equipped to identify situations that necessitate further action and to communicate the need for more specialized resources or teams.

This level emphasizes safety and situational awareness, enabling firefighters to act as eyes and ears on the scene and to work alongside higher trained personnel. It is about understanding the dangers present and ensuring that the appropriate response is initiated, making it crucial for maintaining safety for responders and victims alike.

The other levels involve more advanced skills and actions. At the Operations level, firefighters are trained to perform specific rescues and utilize some equipment, while the Technician level involves comprehensive training to manage complex rescue scenarios. The Expert level typically represents a highly specialized knowledge base not required in standard incident responses.