On Monday March 21st, members gathered at the Fire Department for the first monthly drill. The topic of last night’s drill was large area search and downed firefighter packaging. While interior members drilled on the above topics the "water department" went out pumping at the Scotts Corners Market. Lead by Asst. Chief Perry, interior members reviewed different search techniques and applied various methods to complete a large area search. All evolutions consisted of an officer leading a crew into a large area (the upper bays of the firehouse) with a thermal imaging camera and a rope bag. Two firefighters then followed the officer into the area. Both members were equipped with a 25-foot tag line, which clipped to the main line. The purpose of the tag line is to give firefighters freedom while searching, but still have a means back to the main line for quick egress, if necessary. Four evolutions were preformed and all groups preformed admirably. There was no down time for members last night, while searches were being preformed upstairs, other members practiced how to use the S.K.E.D downstairs. A SKED is a flexible plastic stretcher used in down firefighter removal and other rescue situations. All skills learned and applied last night are valuable to all members, even those creating the scenarios.
Asst. Chief Perry offers insight on how the evolutions will be preformed.
Lt. Zafonte shows members different ways to minupulate a Thermal Imaging Camera or TIC to have a better view of the environment.
Members of the water department out pumping Engine 111 and Engine 112 at the Scotts Corners Market.
Lt. Zafonte, operating in a lights out situation, using a TIC to locate any possible victims in a large area search. This picture is taken through the lens one of three TICs the department has.
