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The second and fourth Monday evening of every month, Graafschap Firefighters meet for a quick business meeting with the chief and then train on a series of skill-sets used on the job. All three brand new members were present. It was good to see a room full of firefighters!

This Monday’s training was a night filled with a variety of topics, including a mandatory yearly infectious disease refresher. Members were reminded to wear department issued personal protective equipment (PPE) on every medical call and document every exposure.

Next, a short business meeting entailed with the awards of 5-year pins awarded to Firefighter Jim Boullosa and Firefighter Bretton Prins. The group also voted to support Toys for Tots again this year during their Christmas toy drive.

For the last couple hours, members assembled in the bay for some Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) training set up by the training officer. Crews of two went to 4 different scenarios that challenged their communication skills, teamwork, and general knowledge of their equipment. Oh yea, they had the inside of their facemasks blacked out so all 4 exercises were done in the dark!

Above, Captain Dykstra works with firefighters as they swap out a bottle. Below, FF Stewart “Hot-swaps” a bottle

Another station required them to use the technology on their SCBAs to “buddy-beath” to simulate sharing you air with another firefighter that has run out of air. Deputy Chief Capel instructed at this scenario.

The third station had members use a Rapid Intervention Pack (RIT) to assist a “downed” firefighter by providing supplemental air from a specially designed kit with a longer-lasting bottle that is used to rescue firefighters that run out of air, but may not be easily accessible. A longer hose and mobility allow the pack to be sent to a downed member for self-rescue in a confined space if possible. (Below)

The last station was a new drill for the crews. A pile of SCBAs were twisted, cross-buckled, and basically a big mess for them to untangle, while still having no sight. Communication, patience, and working as a team helped them find a resolution to this issue. The drill was no over until all members were wearing the SCBA on their back and breathing on air. This drill is one that can turn into a “friendship-ender”, but everyone worked nicely with others.

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