FROM: U.S. AIR FORCE
Firefighters with Schriever and Colorado Springs Fire Departments lift a “victim” during confined-space training May 1 at Schriever Air Force Base. The training is just one of the many events that Schriever and Colorado Springs Fire Departments have planned to perform. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes)
Schriever, Colorado Springs firefighters conduct training
by Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
50th Space Wing Public Affairs
5/2/2012 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Firefighters with Schriever and Colorado Springs Fire Departments teamed up May 1 to conduct confined-space training at Schriever Air Force Base.
During the training, the firefighters learned how to integrate equipment and personnel, as well as plan for tactics and strategies to remove a victim from a confined space.
"The training consisted of equipment orientation and removal of victims from a controlled environment," said Rob Finley, Schriever Fire Department assistant chief of training. "Staying proficient at confined space entries, rescues and recoveries is a federal and Air Force requirement."
Finley said training with CSFD is important because it provides face time with mutual aid partners and ensures consistency across the profession.
"Meeting responders on the day we have an incident surely is not a show stopper, but the little things can and should be worked out beforehand," he said. "Plus, the city does not have a confined-space trainer, so this was really beneficial for the CSFD firefighters."
Aaron McConnellogue, CSFD lieutenant, said training with Schriever firefighters is a good learning experience for him and his fellow firefighters.
"It's a great interagency training, and it's huge for us," McConnellogue said. "We can't get enough of this type of training. We learned a lot from our Schriever counterparts."
The confined-space training is just one of the many events Schriever and Colorado Springs Fire Departments have planned to perform in the coming months.
"This training event was a success and it will help toward a better response effort when either department requests support," Finley said.
