Salem Fire Department Plans Trench Rescue Training

News Release from: Salem Fire Dept.
SALEM FIRE DEPARTMENT PLANS TRENCH RESCUE TRAINING
Posted: May 2nd, 2013 8:51 AM
Photo/sound file: http://www.flashalertnewswire.net/images/news/2013-05/1061/63901/SFD_Tech_Rescue_Team_file_photo.jpg

The Salem Fire Department's Technical Rescue Team will be conducting hands-on trench rescue training at the Salem Airport over a three day period in May. The training will focus on practicing rescue techniques for trapped or buried victims caused by construction accidents or naturally occurring incidents such as earthquakes. The training will take place at the south end of the Salem Airport.

The rescue training is tentatively scheduled for May 8, 9, and 10, and will run from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., which will allow fire department technical team members to drill during their normal duty days and shifts. The training is in conjunction with the City of Salem Public Works Department who will provide heavy equipment operation and support.

During the drills the rescue teams will be entering a specially prepared trench to practice rescue techniques, including shoring and stabilizing the walls of the trench to insure safety and prevention of further collapse. Other elements of the drill will include evaluating simulated victims for medical conditions, providing advanced life support and treatment, and stabilizing the patients for removal from the trench.

Firefighters and vehicles participating in the training exercise will be operating in an open area of the airport grounds with no street closures planned. Fire crews involved in the training will be available for actual emergency response during the planned training. There is no anticipated impact to normal airport operations.

The Salem Fire Department Technical Rescue Team operates out of Fire Station #4, which is located at 200 Alice Street SE in Salem, Oregon. Team members receive extensive training and perform rescues in the areas of confined spaces, rope rescue, trench rescue, machinery extrication, entrapped patients, structural collapse, and advanced heavy rescue. Specialized equipment necessary for complex rescues is carried on the rescue team's fire engine and ladder truck. Additionally, Salem Fire has a fully equipped rescue trailer housed at Fire Station #10 that is capable of being transported directly to the rescue scene to provide additional tools, equipment, and supplies necessary for large scale search and rescue incidents.


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