Transportation Rescue Extrication Program

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), through one-time funding from SGI, has developed a Transportation Rescue Extrication (TREX) Program that offers training and equipment to Saskatchewan fire departments.

The program was developed in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (SVFFA), the Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs (SAFC) and the Provincial Training Standards Committee.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Enhance capacity for fire departments to respond to motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) through the provision of funded training and equipment.
• Ensure participating fire departments can maintain their response levels by having set program criteria.
• Provide the SPSA and SGI the ability to measure program success for a minimum of five years once each participating community enters the maintenance phase of the program.

The TREX Program formalizes minimum training and standards by establishing three levels of auto extrication:

• Rapid Access (International Trauma Life Support – ITLS)
• Level 1 (NFPA 1006 Operations 2021 edition)
• Level 2 (NFPA 1006 Technician 2021 edition)

These levels are designed to support fire departments without a currently active auto extrication program. Fire departments who have demonstrated that they currently have an active auto extrication program will not be required to take TREX training prior to requesting equipment.

A full overview of the program and requirements can be found in the
TREX Program framework.

Transportation Rescue Extrication Program Application

Applications for the TREX Program must be submitted by the fire department using the online application form. Before submitting an application, please review the
TREX Program Framework. Once submitted, the fire department applicant will receive a confirmation email with an expected timeline for response. Incomplete applications will be returned to the fire department for immediate attention.

After the application is received, the Application Approval Committee may ask fire department applicants for some or all of the supporting documentation identified in the application. Fire departments are encouraged to have the supporting documentation sent to the SPSA within 10 working days of request.

New applications will be reviewed monthly. All applications must be submitted to the SPSA for review on or before the last working day of the month. The SPSA will meet with the Application Approval Committee regularly to review applications received.

Fire departments must wait for SPSA approval before proceeding with training or equipment purchase. The SPSA will notify the fire department if the application is incomplete or requires more information.

Transportation Rescue Extrication Program Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the SPSA implementing this program?

SGI, like the SPSA, is motivated to enhance public safety on Saskatchewan's roadways. In January 2022, SGI approached the SPSA to discuss a project designed to provide funds to increase auto extrication capacity across the Saskatchewan fire service. The SPSA has gratefully accepted this partnership opportunity and is pleased to announce the TREX Program.

Do any other provinces have programs like this?

No. This auto extrication program is the first of its kind in Canada.

How does this program increase safety in Saskatchewan?

Comprehensive training programs ensure firefighters have the skills needed for safer and more efficient response.

The guidelines also enhance co-ordination between elected officials and the fire department by providing an opportunity:

• For co-ordination and fiscal planning to ensure firefighters have the training and type of equipment they need to serve their community.
• To provide guidance on equipment maintenance.

Properly trained firefighters are essential to ensure their own safety and for the safety of the public and all first responders by:

• decreasing the risk of unnecessary accidents and injuries during a motor vehicle collision response;
• limiting Occupational Health and Safety incidents;
• increasing Saskatchewan’s capacity to respond to vehicle collision events in Saskatchewan; and
• mitigating the chances of litigation due to negligence.

How were the training and equipment vendors for this program chosen?

A Request for Proposal process was used to establish the program’s vendors. Many training and equipment vendors who are currently working in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta were part of the development and design phase of the TREX Program framework.

Can I use a training or equipment vendor that is not on the SPSA-approved list?

No. The TREX Program only offers funding for vendors approved under the program.

Do I have to submit my declaration of minimum service standards before my department can participate in the TREX Program?

Yes. However, we will accept a declaration that indicates “pending” on the application. For more information on the Minimum Service Guidelines, visit https://www.saskpublicsafety.ca/first-responders/fire-service-minimum-standards.

What process was used to develop the Transportation Rescue Extrication Program?

The program was made possible through one-time funding provided by SGI to the SPSA, which was announced in April 2022. SPSA staff members leveraged an existing fire sector group called the Provincial Training Standards Committee to develop the program framework.

Once a working draft was created, consultations occurred with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA), the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and SGI.

Information sessions and webinars were delivered in early November 2022 to municipal leaders, with the help of SUMA, and to the fire sector as scheduled by the SPSA.

When will the Transportation Rescue Extrication Program start?

The SPSA launched the program on December 21, 2022. The program will continue until funds are expended.

What is the budget for the program?

The program budget is $5.6 million, which was provided by SGI as one-time funding to the SPSA.

How and when were fire chiefs and council/municipal administrators made aware of this program?

The announcement that SGI was providing funding to the SPSA was made in April 2022. The SPSA provided notification letters to municipal and fire sector associations at that time, advising of the announcement and plans for program development.

Starting in June 2022, the SPSA began meeting with executives from municipal associations such as SUMA and SARM to present the draft program details and obtain their feedback for inclusion in the framework.

Information sessions and webinars were delivered to municipal leaders, with the help of SUMA, and to the fire sector, as scheduled by the SPSA, in November 2022.

Is this program mandatory?

No. This program is not mandatory.

Will the standards outlined in the TREX Program become part of the Fire Service Minimum Standards Guide?

Although auto extrication minimum standards are expected to become part of the Fire Service Minimum Standards Guide at some point, the two programs are separate at this time.

Will I receive a certificate for this training?

The SPSA does not have the accredited program to issue an NFPA 1006 “Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications” certification. Participants who complete training from approved vendors will receive an Endorsement of Recognition from the Fire Commissioner.

Participants completing the ITLS training will receive a certificate from International Trauma Life Support.

How much funding is available for existing departments?

Departments with existing auto extrication programs can apply to the TREX Program up to a cap of $70,000.

What information do departments with existing auto extrication programs need to provide?

Departments with existing auto extrication programs will need to provide the following items, at the same time as they submit their application:

• A general overview of the capacity/purpose of the equipment being requested.
• A description of whether this is new equipment or if it is a replacement of existing equipment. If it is new equipment, include a description of how the current training program supports the new equipment.
• A description of the department's current extrication response area. Include a list of current mutual aid agreements for which the department provides extrication services.
• The TREX equivalent extrication level they currently provide.
• An explanation of whether they are purchasing new equipment or replacing existing equipment.
• The number of participants they have trained.
• The number of extrications they respond to annually.
• The equipment they currently deploy.
• The itemized equipment, to a maximum of $70,000, they are requesting.
• A vendor price quote not exceeding $70,000.

My department struggles with maintaining 100 per cent training levels due to turnover/retention of members or volunteers. Does my whole crew need to be trained to qualify for the TREX funding?

The staffing levels for each auto extrication level vary. Rapid Access requires a minimum of four firefighters on scene per call. Level I training requires at least four to six firefighters per call, and Level II training requires six to eight firefighters per call.

Are travel expenses covered as part of the training dollars?

Travel expenses for fire department members to participate in TREX training are not covered in the $5.6 million funding.

Will SGI provide my department with the vehicles we need to complete the required training?

Yes. SGI has committed to providing vehicles to those fire departments participating in the TREX Program. When contacting SGI to request vehicles, indicate you are part of the TREX Program. This will help ensure appropriate prioritization of available vehicles.

What if I don’t have enough firefighters to host a training session in my community, or I’m not sure which equipment package is right for us?

The SPSA is organizing mass training events for fire departments who do not have the capacity to hold their own training as required by the TREX Program guidelines and vendors.

The first mass training event will be held in Regina from Mar. 31 to Apr. 2, 2023. A second event is being organized for fall 2023 in Lloydminster. More information about how to participate in training events will be released in late January.

These training events will allow you to try out the various pieces of equipment offered by the vendors.

Who can I contact for more information?

The best source of information on the TREX Program is the SPSA’s website at saskpublicsafety.ca/first-responders/trex-program. For specific questions on the program, contact the SPSA’s Fire Marshal, Wayne Rodger, at wayne.rodger@gov.sk.ca.