Markham, Ontario -- On June 5 and 6, Standard Auto Recyclers played host to some of Canada's toughest emergency rescue teams during the 2025 Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee Regional Vehicle Rescue Challenge.
Standard Auto Wreckers last hosted a TERC event in 2019. According to David Gold, owner of Standard Auto Wreckers, his team was delighted to see the event return to the facility for its fifth year.
“We’re all proud to be a part of it,” said Gold. “Everyone feels good to be helping first responders.”
Hosted by the Markham Fire Department and the Markham Fire Extrication Team, the event kicked-off with a training symposium on June 5. The competition, held the next day, saw teams participating in two challenge pits.
Teams were given 20 minutes to safely extricate a live patient from a simulated vehicle collision. Points were awarded for command structure, disentanglement techniques, hazard and scene control and patient and rescuer safety.
In the limited pit, rescuers had to rely on the use of hand and pneumatic tool only, whereas the all rescue tools were allowed in the unlimited pit, including heavy hydraulic rescue equipment.
The team from Burlington won both the categories as well as the overall title and will now represent Canada at the world championships next year.
Gold says rescue workers are finding it increasingly difficult to find appropriate sites to host similar training events.
“We’re beyond appreciative to have them in our community,” he said. “They’re the frontline heroes.”
To check out the photos from the event click here 
