Specialty Teams

The Haz Mat Team coordinates hazardous material recognition, scene safety, significant gasoline spills, natural gas line breaks, material removal, victim retrieval, and decontamination operations.

In addition, Haz Mat is responsible for procedures needed to transport a contaminated victim to a medical facility.

The Swift Water Rescue Team coordinates surface water-related emergencies. Rescue techniques vary according to channel size, wall angles, water depth, flow speeds and available access. Swift Water Rescue Teams will perform in-water rescues using ropes, rescue boards, nets and rescue watercraft. Controlling motorized watercraft in narrow channels with fast-moving water is extremely difficult and dangerous. Helicopters are sometimes used as part of the rescue force. Time is of the essence in swift water rescue. Hypothermia can rapidly immobilize even the strongest swimmer.

With the help of the department's technical rescue apparatus, this highly specialized crew perform a myriad of functions including the complex extrication of victims from traffic collisions, confined space, industrial machinery entrapment, collapsed structures trench rescue, rope rescue, or other scenarios that require precision cutting, spreading, disassembly, rigging or heavy lift capability.

The Bike Medic Team is made up of fire department EMT’s and Paramedics who carry advanced life support equipment on specially outfitted public safety bicycles.  The team is utilized as additional manpower where a quick response may be limited by conventional methods such as at special events, conventions, sporting events, community functions, or large events. For more information, please email FireMedicBike@gwinnettcounty.com.