Pump Operations and Suctioning & Burns Drills for 06/23/25
 
By Vista Fire Department
June 24, 2025
 

This week's Monday Night Drill was a "Pump Operations" drill for our Firefighters and a "Suctioning & Burns" drill for our EMTs.

The “Pump Operations” drill focused on developing core driver and pump operator skills critical to our firefighting operations. This session began at one of our dry hydrants, where Engine 142 drafted off the front suction to supply Engine 143. From there, Engine 143 pumped a single 1¾” hoseline, allowing members to practice flow operations, nozzle handling, and basic water movement coordination between apparatus.

Following the drafting evolution, members proceeded to the entrance of a commercial building to review critical hydrant and building connection procedures. This included instruction on how to properly hook up to a pressurized hydrant, how to connect to a Fire Department Connection (FDC), and a hands-on overview of how sprinkler systems function and integrate with fire suppression operations.

In the "Suctioning & Burns" drill, Vista EMS personnel reviewed airway management and burn care protocols in line with New York State guidelines. Members practiced proper suctioning techniques using both manual and mechanical units to maintain airway patency in compromised patients. The drill also covered burn assessment and treatment, including burn classification, estimating burn surface area using the Rule of Nines, and managing airway involvement, cooling, and pain control. These hands-on skills are essential for providing effective prehospital care in both trauma and medical emergencies.

For more information on how to become a member, call (914)-533-2727, email us at Info@VistaFD.org, visit https://www.vistafd.org/content/become/, or apply online here: https://www.vistafd.org/apply.