Fire Service holds high-rise training
Firefighters at the training exercise
(CNS Local Life): The Cayman Islands Fire Service recently held a full-scale training exercise, and reviewed all strategies and tactics on how to react when a high-rise emergency occurs. Chief Fire Officer David Hails said “Operation Up Close and Personal” was a success for his department, as a group of firefighters completed the training exercise at a local hotel.
Hails explained the purpose of the exercise was for fire officers to get familiar with the Kimpton Seafire Resort’s fire safety systems and strategies, and test high-rise procedures under realistic conditions. He said the fire officers are already trained in this procedure, but felt it was good to test their skills whenever the opportunity arises.
“High-rise buildings can pose a particular problem for firefighters,” Hails said in a government press release. “You have the height of the building, you have to get the hoses and other equipment up there and form a forward command post near the operations. Then, you have to be able to carry out rescue and firefighting operations. It’s very dynamic and takes a great team effort.”
The exercise started with sounding the alarm and clearing everyone out of the building in a safe and timely fashion. During the drill firefighters practised proper protocol, created an evacuation plan, deployed equipment and set up an incident command system, while using effective communication to complete the rescue mission.
The scenario was that a fire had started in a room on the fourth floor, and then spread to the adjoining room, with five guests affected.
Hails said the two-hour exercise was particularly useful for testing logistics, communications, and physical abilities, while providing an experience of what it would be like to use the plans and procedures in a real event.
“This type of hands-on training is very effective because it gives them valuable insight into what it takes, how to overcome any challenges and that in turn builds morale,” he said. “I would also like to thank the off-duty fire officers who reported for duty when we put the call out for more personnel. Their assistance was much appreciated.”
Category: Fire Service
