Discussions are still ongoing with a view to bringing Saskatchewan’s vehicle extrication program to Lloydminster.
This as training and equipment options are being made available to Saskatchewan fire departments to assist in vehicle extrication.
Funding of $5.6 million from SGI is making the Transportation Rescue Extrication (TREX) Program possible which is being overseen by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA).
Wayne Rodger, Fire Marshal for the province says since their launch in December, they have been receiving applications and a first session is being planned for the spring in Regina. He says for larger centres where several fire departments may be able to come together, there is the option to get the trainers to come to that location.
Rodger says he is planning to come to Lloydminster in early February to have discussions with fire departments in this area with a view to holding the training in the border city.
“I anticipate additional uptake from communities in that area. We are forecasting a second training session similar to Regina, but we are going to host it in Lloydminster. That’s in the planning. We are a lot closer with the Regina one just because the date is so near. We expect to replicate it in Lloydminster in the fall.”
Minister responsible for SGI Don Morgan notes how important the training and equipment is especially for smaller communities.
“Volunteer firefighters are often first on the scene of collisions in rural Saskatchewan, so it’s vital they have the training and equipment they need,” says Morgan.
Rodger says the SPSA is appreciative of the SGI funding as they prep for the Regina training to begin Mar. 31.
“We’re going to set up indoors so we are not battling the elements. We are going to set up training in stations so you can sample the wares that the various vendors have to offer – provide you with the training that you need as part of the program. And then order the equipment that you want and it will be sent to you once you return to your home community.”
SGI is funding both the training and the equipment for the TREX program and the SPSA encourages fire departments in the province to get their applications in.