DART Specialists Certification Test Approved in 2008, the revised DART Specialists Certification Test assesses five fundamental skills aspects including water and height rescue, medical, and USAR. The Breathing Apparatus Endurance Component Test is based on the use of Closed Circuit Breathing Apparatus (CCBA) to perform the arduous tasks such as rolling and recovery of two 30m hoses; pitching and recovery of a ladder; carrying of a casualty up and down three flights of staircases; and hoisting of a 20-litre jerry can filled with water from the ground floor to the third storey. Officers are also required to complete a 2.4km walk within 30 minutes while wearing the CCBA. The water rescue test is a new component, benchmarked to the minimum requirement of Singapore Life Saving Society’s “Bronze Medallion” level. The test involves swimming 25m to rescue a drowning victim, as well as casting a throw-line to a victim in the water and towing him to safety. The medical component essentially comprises the Basic First-Aid Proficiency Test (BFAPT) as well as assessment on the rescuers’ skills and knowledge to manage casualties in trauma. The height rescue component formerly tests rescuers on their rappelling skills only. This has been revised to include both high and low angle rescue procedures, including the need for rescuers to don in full fire fighting gear complete with BA to conduct a low-angle rescue at a “Silo” to simulate deep tunnel rescue. The revised USAR component comprises both theory and practical assessment. The theory component tests basic USAR methodologies which includes International Search & Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Guidelines and USAR equipment specifications. The practical component comprises confined space rescue operation focusing on the assessment of using equipment to detect, stabilise, lift, and evacuate casualties.
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DART Specialists going through the paces at the revised DART Specialists Certification Test. 33