The City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue provides a specialty service Technical Rescue Team (TRT) to the southern region of South Florida. This team extends capabilities of fire rescue and medical response to confined space rescue, high angle rescue, trench/excavation rescue, water related emergencies, structural collapse/emergency shoring, heavy extrication, urban search and rescue, shipboard firefighting, wild land firefighting, and damage reconnaissance, as well as weapons of mass destruction (WMD) preparedness in times of civil unrest. The team responds to mitigate both natural and man-made disasters on a local, state and federal level.

Fort Lauderdale's Technical Rescue Team is one of the largest teams of its kind in the state and responds frequently out of its jurisdiction to assist other municipalities with mutual aid. The team has been recognized many times at a national level for outstanding work.

The TRT has been operational for approximately 18 years and is comprised  of a select group of firefighter/paramedics who are trained and certified to respond and provide technical knowledge, high-risk work duties and specialized equipment. The TRT team members are available 24 hours a day seven days a week and answer calls from multiple Fort Lauderdale Fire-Rescue stations to ensure citywide coverage.

Team members are cross-trained to provide firefighting, emergency medical service, and rescue functions. In addition to these duties, members have extensive training in advanced rescue techniques. This intense training is performed for expansion of knowledge and preparedness to respond. Physical standards for the team are also above those mandated by other nationally recognized organizations.

 The equipment the TRT uses is top-of-the-line and maintained in ready condition for rugged use. For rescue operations, the TRT utilizes a Pierce 105' Quantum Quint, a Pierce Quantum Engine, a Medic Master Rescue truck, and a 16' Wells Cargo trailer for support equipment and supplies.

Other equipment includes a number of extrication devices, such as Sawzalls, die grinders, assorted pneumatic tools, air bags, portable air carts, a heavy lifting tripod and winch, and dive equipment, as well as high angle rescue equipment and typical firefighting equipment. There is also  an assortment of pneumatic shoring devices, air ventilators, class 3 harnesses, atmospheric monitoring devices, communications equipment, confined space lock out tag out kits, supplied air breathing hoses, and escape (pony) air bottles for confined space operations.

The City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue proudly maintains the Technical Rescue Team to ensure the safety of both citizens and visitors to the Venice of America. With capabilities extending "outside of the norm," technicians are available to safeguard victims and provide aid to unusual rescue situations beyond the capability of an average fire department response. 

This application of skills, knowledge, and equipment safely resolves unique or complex rescue situations. With the dedicated service of the Technical Rescue Team, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue assures preparation for any life safety situation that may arise.