Advanced USAR Breaching & Breaking

Duration: 30–40 Hours (4 Days)

Prerequisites: FEMA or equivalent Structural Collapse Technician (SCT), Confined Space Technician, Rope Rescue Technician

In Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) operations, breaching and breaking techniques are essential for gaining access through structural barriers such as concrete, steel, walls, floors, and roofs. These skills are critical for reaching and extricating victims trapped in collapsed or compromised structures.

This advanced program goes beyond the basics, focusing on real-world breaching scenarios and unconventional techniques. Drawing on the experience of internationally certified USAR technicians—including instructors from the first INSARAG-certified USAR team—this course delivers practical knowledge gained through years of field deployment in challenging environments.

Over four intensive 8-hour days, participants will develop and refine high-level breaching skills, learning methods rarely covered in standard training environments.

Topics Covered:

• Breaching while on rope (vertical and suspended operations)
• Negative incline suspended breaching techniques
• Overhead breaching strategies and tool handling
• Advanced concrete breaching (reinforced, thick, and composite materials)
• Clean vs. dirty breaching: tactical decision-making and tool use
• Thick-wall and step breaching in complex structures