Ohio Technical College

The fire science technical rescue program satisfies the demands of the area job market, increases students’ employability, and significantly improves technical rescue and scene/administrative management skills. This degree is open to seasoned professionals looking to enhance their career growth as well as new entrants to fire science wishing to specialize in technical rescue operations in fire and emergency services.
Technical rescue is a highly specialized “high risk/low frequency” area of fire department operations that requires an extensive amount of training and education. Types of technical rescue include:
• rope rescue
• confined space rescue
• vehicle/machinery rescue
• structural collapse rescue
• trench rescue
• water rescue
Successful completion of this program uniquely positions students for advancement in the fire department, particularly at the company officer level. Professional competencies accomplished through this degree also provide a safer work environment for firefighters and significantly increase the chances of successful victim rescue and improved patient outcomes in a high-risk environment.

COTC partners with the Ohio Fire Academy (OFA) to offer the fire science technical rescue associate degree. OFA is the only training organization accredited through the International Fire & Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) in the state of Ohio. As part of that accreditation, OFA provides a comprehensive offering of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1006 compliant, IFSAC-accredited technical rescue courses (NFPA 1006: Standard for Technical Rescue Personnel Professional Qualifications).