Lt. Scott Feather and Firefighter-Paramedic Brent Dalton conducted the County-wide Pathways Training Class Thursday evening 28-August. Twenty-five volunteer firefighters and Explorers from around the county participated in the monthly training class. Thursday's drill, held at the former Sheriff's Office Building on Benson Street, encompassed two separate evolutions. Firefighters practiced Search and Rescue techniques on the second floor, while different crews practiced stretching hose lines into the large vacant building.

 

The drill served several purposes. The crews learned new techniques for extending hand lines into large commercial structures using a four person team. Communication proved to be a key factor as the personnel entered the large first floor of the building from the rear exit. They then extended the line to the front office area, about 1/2 block away. Crews on the second floor performed search patterns and learned air management techniques. They had to search the entire second floor for a 180 pound dummy and recover the victim.    

Again, teamwork, communication with other team members and command werestressed.

Due to the size of the building, Instructors repeatedly drove home the importance of watching air supplies.  "A", "B" and "C" shift personnel are participating in the same drills this week during the day.

 

The Pathways Training Class is conducted the the fourth Thursday of every month and is held at Station # 19.

 

If you have any questions, contact the Training Division at station # 19 / 538-6849.