Dozens of firefighters took part in Ron Moore's University of Extrication class at Firehouse World in San Diego.
SAN DIEGO-- With less than a year on the job, Lemon Grove, Calif. Firefighter Mike Ratkovich had a busy Sunday. In the course of eight hours, he worked at several major crashes including extricating a driver who was trapped after another car landed on top of his vehicle.
Later, the challenge included extricating a patient from a vehicle positioned underneath another. Skills also were put to the test when rescuers found a scooter rider pinned under a van.
Ratkovich was one of dozens of firefighters faced with these and other scenarios during Ron Moore's University of Extrication class being held at Firehouse World in San Diego.
On Sunday and Monday, over 750 firefighters from across the country and Mexico attended the hands-on training classes.
Ratkovich and two other Lemon Grove firefighters were sent to the two-day class to learn the latest in rescue technician skills. "We have learned a lot about stablilizing and shoring," said Katkovich. "Basically, we're making it better, not worse."
"The training is designed so they can experience setting up the scenarios and going through it and then take it back to their firehouse" said instructor Ron Moore.
At the Heartland Fire Academy in El Cajon, firefighters cycled through Battalion Chief Richard Blatus' Live Fire Training. "It's a great learning experience" Blatus said as firefighters removed a simulated downed firefighter from the training tower. "They get the opportunity to train under live fire conditions. While observing the fire behavior, they get a handle on what's going on inside the structure. It teaches them to always be aware of surroundings. "
"Our objective is to learn as much as possible" said Vinny Bruvry, an engineer from the Sycuan Fire Department. "We relate the training to our department and then look at our SOPs to see what we can change."
Five members of Sycuan went through the class that involved engine and truck company operations. During the fire attack, Blatus ordered an evacuation and a firefighter down is simulated. A rapid intervention team is tasked with finding the missing firefighter and removing the.
Fire Control III was held at the San Pasqual Reservation in a vacant home. Several five-person watched fire's progress, learning the effects of horizontal and vertical ventilations. The 16-hour class was finished when the structure burned down.
At the San Diego Fire Training Facility, other classes included First Due Assignments for Engine and Truck Functions at Working Incidents with lead instructor Battalion Chief Ed Hadfield.
The eight-hour class involves instruction on roof ventilation, hoseline operations and high-density forcible entry. (Register here for a live and interactive webcast on the issue. It will be held March 9.
A rigorous session was held during a course entitled, "Firefighter Entanglement Emergencies" with Jim McCormack.
After the Mayday: Handling Critical Fireground Emergencies covered several aspects of what can be done when crews learn a firefighter is in trouble. "If you become trapped at the scene, you shouldn't just wait for the RIT to come get you" said Chief John Salka. "This class teaches you several things that you can do to help yourself while they are coming to get you."
"We're happy to be able to present hands-on training to many of these firefighters who are unable to have in their own departments" said Harvey Eisner, the program director. "Over the last five years, we have been able to train several thousand firefighters safely and successfully and let them experience the latest techniques in a wide variety of situations that they may encounter back home."
Firehouse.com will have two live podcast taping during Firehouse World. On Wednesday, Chief Billy Goldfeder, host of "Through the Smoke" on Radio at Firehouse will have a panel of guests including Atlanta Fire Chief Dennis Rubin, FDNY Lieutentant Mike Wilbur and Philadelphia Deputy Chief William Shouldis. It is scheduled for 10:30 am in Room 28B.
On Thursday at 2:30 p.m., the Apparatus Architects Michael Wilbur and Tom Shand will host their monthly podcast in Room 28B.
