Chainsaw capabilities

Members of the USAR specialist chainsaw team already have basic chainsaw cross cutting qualifications and a new USAR-specific qualification.

This qualification includes the use of the 'rescue saw' on constructions such as sandwich panels and armoured glass as well as wood.

HFRS is enhancing its capability to include some staff qualified to respond to incidents involving trees on cars and buildings.

This will help improve the Service’s USAR capability but also provide HFRS with it’s own specific storm-response and road-clearance capability in the event of extreme weather events.

The team members chosen for this specialist area have been selected because they already use chainsaws extensively and will be able to maintain their competence.