A Platoon Firefighter Rescue Training

Saturday November 27, 2010

Companies on A Platoon received instruction on how to maximize the equipment they carry in their pockets along with there Gemtor personal harness. The motivation behind this type of training is to be able to immediately assist a downed firefighter until additional help arrives.

Battalion Chief Rick Harris and Lieutenant Jason Houck instructed on-duty companies throughout the day.

The training consisted of 2 segments -
1. Modifying a downed firgfighters SCBA and Gemtor harness for horizontal movement (i.e. across floors)
2. Modifying a downed firefighters SCBA and Gemtor harness for  vertical movement (i.e. stairs )

B/C Harris and Lt. Houck demonstrated how to use SCBA, Gemtor harness, personal rope, webbing, & other small items that many firefighters carry with them. All firefighters demonstrated the techniques they were taught while in the daylight.

Firefighters D'Alesandro & De Lucca carry Lt. Houck up stairs

After firefighters demonstrated their ability to perform the techniques in the daylight, the next step was to perform the same in total darkness. Firefighters formed 2 person teams and were tasked with searching for, locating, packaging and removing a downed firefighter. Firefighters used the techniques they were taught to perform the task.



Ff's Schaeffer and Brown prepare to ascend interior stairs with a downed firefighter (Capt. Walker)

B/C Harris demonstrating a drag technique

Ff Riess and Lt. Carr package Ff D'Alesandro for removal