Published Saturday, August 07, 2010
Firefighters train to rescue victims in trench collapse
The Newnan Times-Herald
Coweta firefighters, along with other area fire departments, are in the midst of specialty training and got hands-on experience this week in a course on trench rescue.
With more and more funding being cut for technical training, the Coweta County Fire Department partnered with Professional Rescue and Fire Training and Georgia Fire & Rescue Supply to offer an open enrollment technical rescue training program.
Classes began this week with a Trench Rescue Technician course held at Coweta's Station 16. It is a hands-on course teaching firefighters how to safely and effectively rescue victims from a trench collapse. Students have received instruction on the latest rescue techniques utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. The students have been working in a live scenario in an actual deep trench learning these techniques.
"This was a very physically and mentally challenging course," said Coweta Fire Department Deputy Chief Todd Moore. "This is a live course, meaning the normal dangers that are associated with an open trench were present. However, through the classroom instruction and close hands-on instruction in the field, a controlled, safe training environment was maintained.
"Having fire crews participate in this type of training is critical to the successful mitigation of an actual trench collapse scenario," Moore added.
Firefighters also battled the heat this week during the training. Participants made sure to remain properly hydrated, and the fire department mandated all firefighters recover in air conditioning occasionally to maintain "an acceptable core body temperature."
Coweta has agreed to a one-year contract to hold these classes at their facilities. Along with use of the facilities, the CCFD will provide logistical support for the classes in return for a number of tuition-free student slots in each class.
Moore reported that this week's training class drew approximately 25 participants. The departments represented included Coweta, Gilmer County, the City of Marietta, City of Johns Creek, City of Woodstock and the City of Atlanta.
"The training was very informative for our members," said Moore. "We were able to get four of our members in the course, and we feel that by doing so, it will provide a safer work environment for our emergency responders and a more proficient and efficient operation during an actual emergency. Plus, this provides the opportunity for our members to network with other emergency personnel from around our state, which is very beneficial for them."
Classes -- which are open to anyone -- will also include a Rope Rescue Technician course, Confined Space Rescue Technician course and Structural Collapse Rescue Technician course.
According to George Nour, president and CEO of Professional Rescue and Fire Training, all programs are state certified and count toward continuing education. The plan is to provide new training classes on a monthly basis.
"We feel this is a win-win situation for Coweta County Fire," said Moore.
