Over the weekend some members took some time to do some driver training on the Ranger and Towing the Trailer with the Squad. While out training on the Ranger the crew went through the trails at Chickies Park cutting apart and clearing debris that fell onto the trails from the heavy winds beforehand.
West Hempfield Fire & Rescue recently hosted an "Introduction to RIT" class, provided by Traditions Training. This class consisted of many hands-on evolutions, designed to simulate "Real Life" firefighter rescue scenarios. The class focused on air emergencies encountered by firefighters in hostile atmospheres, and challenged the students both mentally and physically.
The officers and members of West Hempfield Fire & Rescue want to thank the Traditions Training staff for sharing their knowledge and skill. Please visit their website for more information on this class, as well as their other course offerings.
**Active Members**
If you were unable to attend the recent SCBA Certification session, please see a member of the training committe BEFORE April 30th to get signed off.
Thank you!
** Attention All Active Firefighters **
The annual SCBA certification is Monday, March 30th. We will be departing the station at 6:45pm for LCPSTC. As a reminder, this is required as part of the WHFR Riding Requirements program.
If you are unable to attend this session, please see a member of the training committee to schedule a time to perform your certification.
Thank you!
The Past week many members of WHFR participated in a Truck I class at the station. We had over 20 firefighters enrolled in the class and we all learned a great deal of useful knowledge from the class. Thanks to our instructors for running an excellent class.
Recently FF Matt Arnold finished his driver training on Engine 76-2. Matt is now qualified on Engine 76-2, Engine 76-1, and Squad 76-1. Congratulations Matt and Drive Safe!
Recently a few members of WHFR continued their water rescue training by taking the "Water Rescue & Emergency Response" class. In the class students learn and practice the proper techniques for swift water rescue, shore based rescue, and self rescue. With this last group going through, it now brings WHFR up to 21 active responders that are Water Rescue certified.
FF Kline finished his driver training Thursday evening, making him qualified on Squad 76-1, Squad 76-2, Engine 76-1, Engine 76-2, and Rescue 76. The last task he had to complete was to draft with the Rescue. As FF Kline was going doing his drafting evolution, FF Haines was taking the time to show the rest of the crew a few water supply techniques. The waterway was originally about 12 inches deep, but had good flow to it. FF Haines showed that by simply using a couple 4" x 4" pieces of long cribbing, an attic ladder, and a tarp, you can easily dam up the water way and make a small reservoir and increase the available water to draft. The small dam was enough to raise the water level another 10-12 inches, an impressive increase for the minimal work that went into it.
On Saturday, the volunteers met to perform their required annual hazardous materials refresher course. After some time in the classroom, we headed out to perform practical evolutions. Crews spent time practicing decontamination setup, mass decontamination, and general hazardous materials best practices.
The members of station 7-6 would like to thank member Eric Bachman for teaching both this class, and our recent ICS 100 & 200 classes.
Over the weekend, six of the WHFR volunteers headed west to Blair County for some training. The members attended classes on Carbon Monoxide Responses, and Farm & Barn Firefighting. As a department, we respond to several dozen calls of these types each year, so the skills learned will help to save both lives and property in West Hempfield and surrounding areas.
On Monday evening, the crew from Sky Flight Care flew in to give the WHFR Volunteers a refresher on helicopter safety. The members were able to spend some time looking over the aircraft, and asked questions of the pilot and crew. After the helicopter left, we spent time in the classroom going over best practices for handling situations involving helicopter services.
For our weekly Monday night training, the volunteers from WHFR spent the evening with East Petersburg practicing our vehicle extrication skills at the Lancaster County Public Safety Training Center. However, this was no normal vehicle. A bus rescue class had been recently held at LCPSTC, which provided the opportunity to use the remainder of their class prop for rescue practices. The teams worked well together, familiarizing themselves with each other's tools, and working through several cutting evolutions.
Thank you again to our brothers and sisters from East Petersburg for the opportunity to train together!
Over the weekend, 9 WHFR volunteers completed a Water Rescue & Emergency Response training class. The program began on Friday evening with a classroom session devoted to training the students on proper safety procedures, and proper protective equipment for water rescue events. On Saturday, the students spent time in a pool to practice the skills learned in the classroom. The training culminated with live rescue evolutions in Conestoga River on Sunday morning. Having high water, air/water temperatures in the mid 30's, and a swift current, the students were able to get a feel for what a live rescue would be like in less than ideal conditions. In the end, our members gained valuable experience in water rescue techniques, and were able to train with several neighboring departments that we may encounter in a real event.
Pictures to follow, when the cameras thaw out…
Attention all active responders. WHFR will be conducting its annual Bloodborne Pathogens Class on two dates during the next week. The two sessions are Saturday January 19th, from 0900-1100hrs or Monday January 21st, from 1900-2100hrs. This class is required for all active responders for you to continue to run calls.
On Monday, November 12th, members gathered for vehicle rescue training at the rear of the station. An acquired vehicle was used to practice stabilization and extrication of an occupant. Cones were lined on one side of the vehicle to simulate a Jersey barrier and the vehicle was tilted to be leaning against the barrier.
