| This week’s Monday night drill was a “Fire and EMS Familiarization” drill for our members.
During this cross-training, our EMS personnel gained firsthand experience with the protective clothing, gear, and equipment used by firefighters, including turnout gear, helmets, gloves, and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). Members reviewed the components and operation of the SCBA and experienced some of the physical challenges associated with working in full firefighting gear. EMS personnel also had the opportunity to wear the gear, practice moving in it, and perform tasks while experiencing its added weight, heat, and reduced visibility.
Our firefighters became more familiar with the gear and equipment used by EMTs during medical emergencies while also learning more about how EMTs assess, treat, and care for patients. Members reviewed commonly used EMS equipment, discussed how EMTs operate during calls, and practiced basic patient assessment skills, including how to properly take a blood pressure.
This cross-training provided members on both sides of our operations with a better understanding of the equipment, responsibilities, and challenges their fellow responders encounter. Whether responding to a structure fire, motor vehicle accident, rescue, or medical emergency, this familiarity helps our Fire and EMS personnel communicate, coordinate, and operate together safely and effectively.
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. |
