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Fire Departments Train For Every Emergency
Mark Schantz/SUNCOAST NEWS
Firefighters from departments all over northern Pinellas trained for watery rescues Tuesday.
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Published: August 29, 2008
Updated:
PALM HARBOR - Every month firefighters from six North Pinellas fire departments pose a frightening scenario and then practice rescuing people and pets from the mock danger.
Firefighters from Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, East Lake, Safety Harbor and Oldsmar may practice extrication of people in a multivehicle crash one month, then pediatric rescues or repelling from large buildings. They train as a unified force, prepared to jump into action and back each other up in a race against time to save lives.
During their August exercise firefighters trained for water rescues in a private pool at a camping area in the Palm Harbor area. The training scenario involved rescuing a person trapped in a submerged vehicle.
"Our communities are surrounded by water, making water rescue training imperative," said Elizabeth Monforti, a spokeswoman for Palm Harbor Fire Rescue.
Cars with victims trapped inside can wind up in bayous, drainage ponds or even the gulf or people could fall off piers or personal water craft, she said.
At a dark and smoky fire scene, firefighters going out the back door of a house could fall into a pool or off a pier wearing 40 pounds of gear, so it's really important to be prepared for water rescues, said Bob Markford, chief of emergency medical services and safety for Palm Harbor Fire Rescue.
This week firefighters practiced extricating victims from a submerged car. In a race against time, while holding their breath firefighters trained breaking the window of the vehicle and quickly cutting the seat belt and shoulder harness to get the victim to the surface.
They received important reminders, like not breathing the bubble of air left inside the cabin of a vehicle under water because it may contain dangerous gases, not oxygen.
Lt. Dean O'Nale of Oldsmar Fire Rescue said the monthly training allows firefighters from North Pinellas be on the same page when coordinating a rescue. Fire and rescue units in the northern county often provided mutual aid to one another.
Mark Schantz can be reached at 727-815-1075 or mschantz@suncoastnews.com.
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