Unit Skills & Training
Recruitment Process
The unit recruits firefighters who have been in active service for at least two years.
Prior to submitting applications to join the unit, one must apply for the firefighter position through the online recruitment system operated by the Civil Service Commission.
Recruitment tenders are released once every 1-2 years and can be found online and in relevant advertisements.
The recruitment process includes several stages prior to official training in the school for firefighting.
Training consists of a 5 month firefighting course in boarding school conditions. Upon completion, the trainee will graduate as a firefighter.
After 2 years, and in compliance with the tenders released from time to time, it is possible to apply for the "Lehava" special rescue unit.
The recruitment process for the unit requires CV admissions.
Suitable candidates will be invited for an interview with the unit's commander.
The next stage consists of a 2 day selection process, which includes personal and group tasks, testing the candidates professionalism, values and teamwork, and testing the candidate in extreme height and water based conditions.
At the end of the selection process, the commanding rank of the unit deliberates and decides on which candidates will start their Lehava fighter training process.
Training Process
The unit's rescuers are trained according to the candidates personal capabilities, the unit's needs and the unit's commander's decision.
Basic training requirements for all unit's rescuers:
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Basic firefighting course
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Missing person search and rescue training
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Collapsed building rescue course
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Swift water course
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One-star diver certification
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Heights and rope rescue course
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Emergency medical training (EMT)
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11+12 Sailing course
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Helicopter rescue course
At the end of the basic training, the fighters are sorted to their dedicated specialties (height or diving) based on their skills, the unit's needs and the various specialty paths. After completing their training, the unit's fighters are certified for various operative tasks and qualifications.
The following specialty courses are available in our unit:
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Diving training
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2-star advanced diving training - Navigation, rescue, night diving
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Checking and solving first level technical malfunctions
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PSD (murky water) diving training by the international diving organization ERDI
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Master Diver 3rd star diving training
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Diving instructor training - for compatible rescuers
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Height training
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Wall reinforcement and fortification
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Cable rescue
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Caving rescue
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Construction rescue
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Rockfall rescue
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Confined space rescue
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Mass casulity evacuation systems
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Natural environment rescue
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Height rescue instructors - for compatible rescuers
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Specific professional specialty training
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Currently the unit is developing its knowledge and training to spearhead helicopter rescue in Israel.
The helicopter rescuer course will include:
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Cargo hanging rescuer training.
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Crane rescue rescuer training.
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