Special Services

Special Technical Rescue and Hazardous Materials

Firefighting and emergency medical services are not the only emergencies that the Middletown Division of Fire answers. Hazardous materials, confined spaces and high angle emergencies are all incidents we must prepare for.

Hazardous Materials Response Unit

The Hazardous Materials Response Unit is one of three teams within Butler County that responds to these emergencies. Whether it is as simple as a fuel leak from a tanker or a large chemical spill from an industrial facility, The Middletown Division of Fire is prepared to begin mitigating the situation. Middletown Fire resources can be combined with West Chester Township and/or Hamilton Fire resources to further enhance our hazardous materials response capability.

Confined Space Team

Along with Hazardous Materials, the Confined Space Team is trained and equipped to rescue those who may become trapped in below grade trenches, holes or oxygen deficient environments. Numerous hours of training are required by team members to maintain these levels of proficiency.

High-Angle Operations or Rope Rescue

At some time, it may be necessary to assist an injured or trapped person from a location out of the reach of our ladders. In these cases, High-Angle operations or Rope Rescue may be needed to evacuate the injured or trapped. A complicated anchoring and hoisting system is set-up to gain access to, provide treatment for and bring victims to safety.

Ice Rescue Training

The MFD recently added ice rescue to its special rescue capability. Training was provided to department members and equipment was purchased exclusively for ice rescue. In the event a victim should fall through the ice the MFD is now trained and equipped to respond.

With the increased popularity of activities on the river the fire department is also increasing its response capability to emergencies that occur on the river. The fire department is currently only capable of conducting shore based rescue. We are in the process of getting personnel trained to a higher level of river rescue. The MFD is also exploring the cost of purchasing additional equipment to enhance our river rescue capabilities.

Middletown Fire Department also has department members who are part of the Butler County Technical Rescue Team. This is a group of highly trained firefighters who are capable of responding for any technical rescue that may occur in the county. This team can also be called to help supplement the Middletown Fire Department special rescue personnel. The BCTR Team also has training in lost person search.