Firefighters squeeze in training

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Eielson firefighters attended a week-long training course here Sept. 12 through 16, to learn and refresh their knowledge of confined space rescues.

Although prevention is ideal, it is important for firefighters to prepare for any situation involving a person trapped in a small space such as utilidors.

According to Master Sgt. Brad Eveland, 354th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant chief of training, not every rescue is the same. They may find out the person involved is injured or the atmosphere within the area is not safe, so firefighters are taught which steps to take in different situations.

A confined space rescue can be a demanding task. Firefighters must use a variety of materials as the situation demands to perform safely and effectively. The need for rescue may be due to a range of situations such as medical emergency, structural or atmospheric issues.

Contractors and servicemembers enter into confined spaces often to complete their tasks. It is important to ensure the station has properly trained responders on duty at all times who are ready for any situation.

Firefighters spent two days doing classroom reviews before spending three days in the field. They reviewed skills in stages with help from instructors before conducting a full rescue seamlessly.

"Particularly with this group of guys, the training has made it so if we're out on an actual rescue I can look at them and know they're capable of performing the rescue," said Staff Sgt. Jamie Justice, 354th CES firetruck driver and operator.

These skills are perishable, without follow-up the knowledge gained from the confined space classroom and hands-on study will deteriorate.

"It's important they receive this training and also follow it up monthly. Monthly training can be as simple as an individual sitting at the station, tying a knot or setting the systems up," said Eveland.

This training, which emphasizes awareness and problem solving at the technician level is advanced, but also covers basic training as well.

Providing local training programs saves resources and ensures firefighters here are able to contribute to safe rescues.