Firefighter Down Drill

October 28, 2016• News• irvintz.fulcher@mcesd8.org

A 2007 study demonstrated that the relative risk of suffering from a fatal cardiac event was up to 100 times greater following fire suppression activities. When a sudden cardiac event occurs in firefighters, one of the most important parts in the chain of survival is administering quality chest compressions as early as possible. In the past, compressions were not able to be performed until the downed firefighter was completely removed from his or her turnout gear which, in so…me cases, took up to four minutes to accomplish. With the new “Firefighter Down” method, basic life support protocols—including quality chest compressions—are initiated within thirty seconds.

Members of South Montgomery County fire department & the Montgomery County Hospital District participated in Live Burn training focusing on the “Firefighter Down” drill this week.

: Two firefighters in gear help a woman, held upside down, off a red backboard on a concrete surface. A paramedic assists at the end of the board, wearing a blue uniform and purple gloves. A red emergency vehicle is visible in the background.

: Firefighters in gear assist a sitting colleague at a fire station. Several firefighters gather around, ensuring their colleague is okay. Equipment and a fire truck labeled South Montgomery County are visible in the background.

: Firefighters in full gear climb ladders at a training facility. They are surrounded by smoke, working together near a structure labeled Dräger Training System. The scene focuses on emergency response practice.

: Firefighters in gear are gathered on a concrete floor, attending to a colleague who is lying down. Some chairs and a forklift are in the background. Another firefighter stands nearby, observing the scene.

: Group of firefighters in gear and a police officer assist in a rescue operation, using a stretcher outdoors. Fire truck visible in the background, with additional personnel nearby.

: Firefighters perform a team-building exercise, assisting a colleague in turnout gear lying on his back. Two firefighters wear pink shirts and pants, one is securing straps on the ground, while another adjusts the equipment and helmet.

: Emergency responders assist a person on a stretcher outside a fire station. People in uniforms and protective gear are gathered nearby. A red emergency vehicle is parked in the background.

: Firefighters and a medical professional assist a person on a stretcher outside a fire station. Foam covers the ground, and fire trucks are parked nearby.