| Town of Phelps Firefighters Hold FAST Team & Firefighter Rehab Training. |
On June 22, 2009 the Clifton Springs Fire Department hosted some specialized training for emergency
responders in an acquired structure on Rt. 96 in the Town of Phelps. Members of the Phelps & Oaks Corners
Fire Department were invited to share in training on Firefighter Assist & Search Teams (FAST Teams) as well
as firefighter rehab.
FAST Teams, also known as Rapid Intervention Teams, are called to emergency scenes to stand by in case of
an emergency involving firefighters. These types of emergencies include firefighters becoming disoriented,
running out of air, structural collapse etc. These teams receive specialized training on how to rescue firefighters
in these types of emergencies.
Firefighter rehabilitation is another firefighter safety procedure. Firefighters working in full turnout gear with
breathing can quickly get overheated. Rehab is a process which is designed to lower the core body
temperature of the firefighters in an effort to prevent overheating and sudden cardiac death. This is done with
drinking water, misting fans, cold towel therapy, forearm immersion, and monitoring of vital signs.
During this training, FAST Teams were given emergency scenarios where a firefighter would call a "MAYDAY"
due to a simulated emergency, and the teams had to enter the smoke filled building to rescue the firefighter.
After each rescue, firefighters on the FAST team would then proceed to the Rehab sector to go through the
rehab process. Rehab services were provided by Oaks Corners Fire & rescue, and Phelps Ambulance.
We would like to thank the officers & members of the Clifton Springs Fire Department for offering this valuable
training.
Photos by OCFD members Rick Maney & Chris Tiffany. Click on photos to enlarge.
responders in an acquired structure on Rt. 96 in the Town of Phelps. Members of the Phelps & Oaks Corners
Fire Department were invited to share in training on Firefighter Assist & Search Teams (FAST Teams) as well
as firefighter rehab.
FAST Teams, also known as Rapid Intervention Teams, are called to emergency scenes to stand by in case of
an emergency involving firefighters. These types of emergencies include firefighters becoming disoriented,
running out of air, structural collapse etc. These teams receive specialized training on how to rescue firefighters
in these types of emergencies.
Firefighter rehabilitation is another firefighter safety procedure. Firefighters working in full turnout gear with
breathing can quickly get overheated. Rehab is a process which is designed to lower the core body
temperature of the firefighters in an effort to prevent overheating and sudden cardiac death. This is done with
drinking water, misting fans, cold towel therapy, forearm immersion, and monitoring of vital signs.
During this training, FAST Teams were given emergency scenarios where a firefighter would call a "MAYDAY"
due to a simulated emergency, and the teams had to enter the smoke filled building to rescue the firefighter.
After each rescue, firefighters on the FAST team would then proceed to the Rehab sector to go through the
rehab process. Rehab services were provided by Oaks Corners Fire & rescue, and Phelps Ambulance.
We would like to thank the officers & members of the Clifton Springs Fire Department for offering this valuable
training.
Photos by OCFD members Rick Maney & Chris Tiffany. Click on photos to enlarge.
