Rescue Specialist

What is a Rescue Specialist?

Every ship in the fleet must have at least one rescue specialist onboard. The rescue specialist is a member of the shipboard personnel who has taken extensive first-aid training. Candidates for the training are volunteers and are mainly from the deck sector (navigation officers and deckhands), although they may also work in logistics or the machine sector. During search and rescue operations, the rescue specialist plays an

extremely important role, administering first aid to victims, organizing their evacuation or contacting land-based physicians to provide the information needed to care for the patient. Rescue specialists work regularly with other first responder groups, including search and rescue technicians (SAR techs) from the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as ambulance attendants, the RCMP and the Auxiliary Coast Guard.

What do I need to do?

• If you wish to become a rescue specialist, you must first of all be a member of the CCG’s shipboard personnel. The CCG, based on its needs, provides training for employees who express an interest in this specific skill set.
• Candidates must have passed Advanced Medical First Responder Level II, a one-month training course that remains valid for a three-year period.
• Other training may also be taken, including fast boat RHIOT, confined space rescue training, and ice rescue training.
• Rescue specialists must also keep their skills up-to-date by taking part in regular onboard first-aid exercises.

What qualities and interests do you need?

• Ability to manage stress;
• Physical fitness;
• Willingness to keep your skills up-to-date;

On what type of ships can you expect to work

• Forty-seven foot search and rescue boats based in Quebec City, Tadoussac, Havre-St-Pierre, Kegaska, Rivièr-au-Renard and Cap-aux-Meules for the Quebec Region.
• Any other Canadian Coast Guard ship.