Technical Rescue Team

The Technical Rescue Teams are some of the busiest teams in Special Operations, responding to many incidents a year requiring their special skills. In addition to being certified Basic Structural Firefighters, team members are trained and certified in:

  • Swift/High Water Rescue
  • Confined Space Rescue
  • Trench/Excavation Rescue
  • Cave Rescue
  • Structural Collapse Rescue
  • Dive Rescue/Recovery
  • Advanced Vehicle Extrication
  • Elevator Rescue
  • Industrial Accidents

Many members of the TRT are also members of the Texas Task Force One, an urban search and rescue (USAR) team. Texas Task Force One is a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) USAR Team that can be deployed nationwide to any disaster situation.

Floods are one of the most common and dangerous hazards that occur in the U.S. Flooding has definitely been a problem for San Antonio, given our climate and terrain. Many injuries and deaths have occurred due to people trying to drive through Low Water Crossings, not realizing the depth or power of the water.

To help keep you and your family safe in the event of a flash flood:

  • Watch for changing weather conditions.
  • Monitor the media for weather watches and warnings, and respond as directed.
  • Know where the Low Water Crossings (PDF) are in your travel area.
TRT Quick Facts
  • Two Technical Rescue Teams (Downtown and Northwest)
  • 63 uniformed team members.
  • Hundreds of hours of specialized training per team member.
  • 2 Engines.
  • 2 Platform Ladder trucks.
  • 2 Heavy Rescue Vehicles.
  • 2 Light Rescue Squad Vehicles.