The Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team (WMTRT)
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What is the WMTRT?The Western Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team (WMTRT) is comprised of 80 firefighters from across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties. These men and women have been trained in specialized rescue techniques and procedures above and beyond the capabilities of the typical firefighter.
At the request of the local jurisdiction having authority, the WMTRT will respond to assist with:
EquipmentThe WMTRT is supplied with the most modern specialized rescue equipment. This equipment is designed to keep responders, civilians and workers safe during very difficult operations that are usually beyond the capabilities of local responders.
The equipment is cached in trailers within the response area of the team. Equipment is brought to the worksite if the WMTRT is requested for standby operations. Otherwise, the equipment needed by team personnel is dispatched automatically when local authorities request a WMTRT response. Is there a Fee for Emergency Response?The WMTRT reserves the right to bill responsible parties for the expense associated with an emergency response. This fee is reduced if the responsible party has an existing agreement for service provided by the WMTRT.
All fees go to the support and sustainment of the WMTRT. |
What services are provided by the WMTRT?Standby Rescue Teams:
OSHA 29 CFR § 1926.1211(a)(1) requires that employers provide a standby rescue team when workers operate in confined spaces with an IDLH atmosphere. The WMTRT is fully qualified and capable of providing standby rescue services for this type of work and other types of high risk confined space work. Rescue Service Listings for Confined Space Permits: Employers and contractors sometimes choose to list local fire departments as their “Rescue Service” for permit required confined spaces. It is the permit holders responsibility to ensure that the local fire departments can provide timely entry rescue service as required by 29 CFR § 1926.1211. If local responders are unable to provide this service, the WMTRT may be contracted and listed as a rescue service on confined space entry permits. How is the Team Activated?If emergency responders believe that the expertise and equipment provided by the WMTRT is needed for an emergency response we recommend they CALL IMMEDIATELY. The WMTRT can only be activated for emergency response by First Responder agencies. If you are a civilian in need of assistance call 911.
What the WMTRT Does Not Do:The WMTRT only provides technical rescue emergency response, standby and confined space permit rescue service listing services. The WMTRT does not:
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Additional information and rates for services can be obtained by contacting:
Fire Chief Alan Sirois Telephone: 413-726-2880 Email: asirois@agawam.ma.us Download the Information for Contractors and Industry Professionals brochure below.
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