Fundamentally USAR Technicians must be a competent Firefighter, Crew Manager or Watch Manager to apply for a position within the USAR Team. Wholetime and Retained Duty System USAR vacancies are open to both wholetime and retained duty system personnel.
In order to successfully respond to any USAR incident, but particularly Level 3 and 4 type incidents, it is vitally important that consideration be given to the selection and recruitment of personnel. It is recognised that USAR technicians, may be required to operate in both physically and mentally demanding situations. This may require personal qualities, skills, and attributes, additional to those normally required and expected of a firefighter.
The responsibility for the selection, recruitment and retention of USAR personnel will be the responsibility of each fire and rescue.
Application Forms
Each Fire and Rescue Service give consideration to the method used to record applications from operational personnel for appointment as USAR Technicians. Standard application forms are for this purpose.
Practical Awareness
Practical awareness sessions are employed to identify suitable applicants for appointment to USAR technician.
The practical awareness session can be used as an assessment centre in order to identify the most suitable applicants as well as identifying unsuitable applicants and allows applicants the opportunity to experience the working environments and conditions expected during USAR operations thereby demonstrating that they have the required aptitude (that may include operating in confined spaces or at height).
Interview
The selection process includes a formal interview; each Fire and Rescue Service conduct these interviews in accordance with standard protocols.
Medical
The ranges of activities undertaken by a USAR Technician are all encompassed within the Emergency Fire Services National Occupational Standards. The medical standards currently applied by Fire and Rescue Services to its operational personnel are considered sufficient to confirm suitability for these roles and therefore further medical requirements are not anticipated.
Conditions of Employment
Each Fire and Rescue Service may need to review its standard Conditions of Employment to ascertain whether they encompass the requirements and expectations of the USAR Technician as identified in the model Job Description.
Key issues to be considered include:
- The duration of appointment as a USAR Technician.
- The requirement to attend incidents anywhere in the UK.
- The requirement to attend such incidents for extended periods.
- The requirement to work on an incident ground for periods up to 12 hours.
- The requirement to perform routine work in other Fire and Rescue Service areas.
Download the USAR requirements