NFPA Standards For Emergency Responders: 1006 and 2500

NFPA Standards have become the de-facto global standards for those who respond to technical search and rescue incidents. The relevant NFPA standards for emergency responders are 1006 and 2500.

The goal of these standards is to ensure effectiveness, providing a common framework for rescue training and operations, and limiting liability. The standards cover technical rescue disciplines including rope rescue, surface water rescue, vehicle and machinery rescue, confined space rescue, structural collapse rescue, and trench rescue. 

Both standards are reviewed and updated every four years. Copies can be purchased from the NFPA.

The NFPA 2500 Standard…

… is the latest iteration of NFPA 1983 (which was equipment focused), NFPA 1858 (which provided selection use and care information) and NFPA 1670 (which outlines team competency for Technical Rescue). The NFPA consolidated these standards into a single document in September of 2021, and published them in January of 2022.

Want to learn more? Take a deep dive into NFPA’s consolidation efforts with this article by PMI’s Loui McCurley.

The 2500 Standard is primarily used by emergency response agencies to guide their technical rescue training, equipment and operations. All of our techncial rescue courses meet and exceed this standard.

The NFPA 1006 Standard…

… is for individuals seeking verification that their technical rescue skills meet minimum job performance requirements as defined by the NFPA for the purposes of instructing or professional consulting.

Upon completion of a formal skill evaluation by an independent third-party (such as IFSAC or ProBoard), the candidate is considered a “rescue technician”.

For more information on NFPA standards for emergency responders, please contact the NFPA.