| District 11 had a two part special drill today. The first part was a flashover simulation and the second part was Petzl Exo bail out refresher. Colonia Fire Department also participated in the flashover training.
They arrived at Somerset County Fire Academy at 0830 hrs. and assembled in the outside classroom. The SCFA Instructors briefed them on what can expected in the flashover simulator. The simulator is constructed of steel shipping containers and includes windows, doors and stairs to a second floor. This simulator allows firefighters to witness fire growth, rollover and flashover in a controlled environment. This also allows the firefighters to practice and evaluate various firefighting options and suppression techniques.
The firefighters were split up into crews including fire attack, backup fire attack and search & rescue. Each evolution was followed up with a short critique of our work. They talk about what was done right, and what was done wrong.
The second part of our training was a refresher on the Gemtor Harness and Petzl EXO Personal Safety System. This portion was taught by Mike Donahue, owner and founder of Progressive Rescue.
Mike reviewed the harnesses, bail out devices and knots. They then went to the second floor to begin our jumps. Mike first had the firefighters remote anchor to a railing before jumping out the window. After everyone successfully completed these jumps, Mike had them anchor at the window sill and jump. After everyone successfully completed these jumps, Mike had the Firefighters assemble a crew including an officer. The Firefighters then simulated an actual bailout situation, including calling a mayday and multiple bailouts from the same location.
Progressive Rescue was very knowledgeable with the bailout devices and techniques. They were very thorough and made sure that every Firefighter was comfortable and proficient with the devices.
Progressive Rescue can be reached thru their website at www.progressiverescue.com or contact Mike Donahue direct at MikeDonahue@ProgressiveRescue.com or (732) 803-7655. |
