Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team

04/06/2026

April Drill – Trench Rescue

This week, members of the Norfolk County Technical Rescue Team trained at Local 4 in Canton, focusing on trench rescue operations.

Across Massachusetts, trenches are dug every day for utility work, construction, and infrastructure projects. While common, these environments can become extremely dangerous in seconds due to the risk of collapse, making specialized training critical for rapid and safe response.

Crews worked through essential skills including:
✅ Trench hazard recognition and scene safety
✅ Shoring operations to stabilize trench walls
✅ Safe entry and movement within a confined trench environment
✅ Patient access and packaging for a trapped worker

Training like this ensures our team remains prepared to handle complex, high-risk incidents, protecting both victims and rescuers.

Great work by all involved!

🎙️ & 📸:Norfolk County Control

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

Today, team members participated in a training drill with HeliService USA, who are a veteran-owned and operated Rhode Island based helicopter operation.

They offer 24/7 FAA licensed air-ambulance and search-and-rescue services, including Advanced Life Support (RI Licensed) paramedic care from offshore and onshore locations.

For today’s training, we started the day with a presentation covering the aircraft, the company, and the capabilities their team brings to emergency operations.

From there, crews moved outside to the aircraft for a hands-on overview of the helicopter, including its Advanced Life Support medical interior, hoisting systems, and the various patient-packaging devices used for rescues.

The training concluded with a live demonstration showcasing their hoisting capabilities and the coordination required between the aircraft and ground personnel during a technical rescue operation.

A huge thank-you to our Deputy Director Greg Smith for putting together an excellent drill and for the introduction to HeliService USA. We appreciate the opportunity to train with their team and expand our team’s capabilities.


Massachusetts Association of Technical Rescue Specialists: MATRS
Norfolk County Control
(PFFM)