Fire Fighters Dig Into Special Training
Most of us picture firefighters climbing high ladders, running into burning buildings, battling brush fires or responding to medical emergencies. Providing help to people working underground – though much less common – is just as important. Every day of the year, construction and utility workers spend time in underground trenches.
Most of us picture firefighters climbing high ladders, running into burning buildings, battling brush fires or responding to medical emergencies. Providing help to people working underground – though much less common – is just as important. Every day of the year, construction and utility workers spend time in underground trenches.
On July 19-20, the UC Davis Fire Department hosted a twoday trench rescue class certified through the California State Fire Marshal’s Office.
The training was attended by all UC Davis line firefighters and two Assistant Chiefs. The first four hours of the class focused on laws, standards, and the hazards of trench rescue. The remaining 12 hours were spent outdoors, working in and around the trenches on response tactics such as stabilization, shoring, and victim rescue and removal.
Making the trench rescue class a reality was a collaborative effort between the UC Davis Fire Department and neighboring departments both on- and offcampus. For example, the Office of Administration assisted with funding the course, Ag Services dug the trenches to meet the State Fire Marshall’s Office curriculum, and the City of Davis Fire Department loaned us their trench rescue response trailer so that we could complete the shoring operations.
With the South Entry District Utility Project underway, UC Davis Fire identified this class as priority training. With both the City of Davis and UC Davis Fire Departments trained, they can work together on a rescue scene. This is critical, as any rescue occurring on campus will certainly require the response of both departments.