A specialist rescue team that's on round-the-clock standby to deal with a wide range of emergencies from high-level rope rescues to collapsed buildings has been set up by West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

Called the Technical Rescue Unit, it is made up of 12 specially trained and equipped firefighters, plus two search dogs.

It is one of 12 teams in the UK that could assist with disasters overseas – some of its members have experience of assisting at an earthquake in Turkey – and one of 20 that could be deployed to deal with emergencies elsewhere in the UK.

If not sent to the scene in the UK or abroad, the West Sussex team will be responsible for organising the transportation of specialist equipment to the rescue operation.

The Unit, which is based at Horley Fire Station, has undergone intensive training since being formed in April, with some of the team attending a specialist training centre in Texas.

As well as dealing with rope rescues and collapsed buildings, it can also carry out a number of specialist services, including rescues from:

• Major traffic accidents.
• Swift moving or icy water.
• Trench collapses.
• Machinery.
• Underground structures.
• Trenches, silos or unstable ground.
• Terrorist incidents

It will also help police searching for missing persons.

The Unit's equipment has been supplied by the Government as part of a programme launched in response to the twin tower attacks in New York. It includes:

• Tools for cutting through concrete at collapsed buildings.
• Listening devices and vibration detectors for locating trapped victims.
• Snake eye' camera for inserting through small gaps to find victims.
• A camera with attached microphone that can be inserted into gaps for talking to the victim.
• Heavy duty cutting and spreading tools.

Kevin Trust , the Fire and Rescue Service's Director of Service Delivery, said: "All rescues are different and in some situations this could involve quite a technical operation that needs specially trained people and equipment. This new team really enhances the rescue capability we already had."

Lionel Barnard , County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: "To have one of the UK's specialist rescue teams is a real plus for West Sussex.

"It underlines the Fire and Rescue Service's commitment to make our county a safer place and means we will be even better prepared to save lives and rescue people trapped in a wide range of circumstances."

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Notes for Editors

Pictures show: The new West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service Technical Rescue Team is specially equipped and trained to tackle a wide range of emergencies, from high-level rope rescues to saving people from icy waters.