Last week we were asked by the fire districts to come and give some training sessions to them. Just a quickie one hour thing to give a brief overview of what we need and the best way to assist us. We turned it around a little and made it a how can we assist each other.
Today we did it. Had one team from each district show up at the most centralized department. That one-hour turned into three hours and they want us back for a couple more.
After introductions we went over our gear and what they could look at to assist us. How to handle, carry and assist us in getting suited should we ask. What we need as far as gaining access to the water. What to do with our cars when they need to be moved and so on.
We stressed that when they are near the water they need to be in PFDs and we explained why. I think there is going to be a policy change for them as it was something they hadnt thought about.
We did some line handling and went over line signals so now they are better versed in it.
Nothing in depth but just an overview of how we can better assist each other. The out come was great. They want each shift to get what we just did and they want it every season change as our styles change. Time will be slated for 4 hours instead of just one.
We found out that one of the new Firemen and one of the new Paramedics are PSDs from other areas. Both have been involved in quite a few recoveries. When we asked them to apply for the team both refused. They were interested when the first came here but when they saw our workload they changed their minds. They said the teams they came from were a lot bigger and it was fun being on it. We were just too busy to have any time for fun diving and we work more than we train. They have done their homework.
Good productive session that even brought us closer together. We have done joint training before but this is the first time we have done something on this line and it went well.
Gary D.
Today we did it. Had one team from each district show up at the most centralized department. That one-hour turned into three hours and they want us back for a couple more.
After introductions we went over our gear and what they could look at to assist us. How to handle, carry and assist us in getting suited should we ask. What we need as far as gaining access to the water. What to do with our cars when they need to be moved and so on.
We stressed that when they are near the water they need to be in PFDs and we explained why. I think there is going to be a policy change for them as it was something they hadnt thought about.
We did some line handling and went over line signals so now they are better versed in it.
Nothing in depth but just an overview of how we can better assist each other. The out come was great. They want each shift to get what we just did and they want it every season change as our styles change. Time will be slated for 4 hours instead of just one.
We found out that one of the new Firemen and one of the new Paramedics are PSDs from other areas. Both have been involved in quite a few recoveries. When we asked them to apply for the team both refused. They were interested when the first came here but when they saw our workload they changed their minds. They said the teams they came from were a lot bigger and it was fun being on it. We were just too busy to have any time for fun diving and we work more than we train. They have done their homework.
Good productive session that even brought us closer together. We have done joint training before but this is the first time we have done something on this line and it went well.
Gary D.
