St. Marys firefighters take part in mandatory survival training

Firefighter Mackenzie Forman tackled the survival-training course on Saturday as part of his training. Captain Greg St. Clair put on Forman’s blindfold right before he took on the challenge.

By Wendy Lamond

On Saturday, the St. Marys Fire Department took part in annual survival training.

Captain Greg St. Clair designed the obstacles based on the International Association of Firefighters survival program outline. The exercise is to simulate what firefighters would experience when faced with being inside a structure during a collapse. This could include breaching through walls, squeezing through tight spaces smaller than 16 inches by inches, and dealing with wire entanglements.

The firefighters wear full gear along with their self-contained breathing apparatus, adding an additional 80 pounds to their bodyweight. To keep the training as authentic as possible, the firefighters go through the course blindfolded so they have no idea what they will encounter. In a real situation, being able to see is very unlikely, so they practice it this way in hopes the other senses will kick in to carry them through.

Staying calm to conserve their air is one of the most crucial aspects of the training as they persevere through the difficult spaces. When they get near the end, instructors will turn off the firefighters’ air supply, forcing them to finish the last 10 feet both blind and out of air. Not to worry though, as they have spent earlier training nights practicing for this situation. The firefighters finish times are noted, as well as how much reserve air they have left in their cylinders. This gives them a benchmark to work from, year after year.

“The popularity of lightweight construction in new home building is posing a significant risk to firefighters,” St. Clair said. “We are arriving on scene and entering structures just as the collapse window is opening. We need to be prepared to both self-rescue or to assist a fellow firefighter that is in trouble if things go bad. This training does exactly that. We practice techniques to get ourselves out, while remaining calm, utilizing tactical breathing and focus exercises.”

In September, the department will be going to Ingersoll for their third year to take part in live-fire training, which is now mandatory every year.

The mandatory training the volunteer firefighters do is the same as those who serve in a career role. This shows how committed the department is to our community and how members stay on top of knowledge and different skillsets.