FIRST RESPONDERS COME TOGETHER FOR MASS CASUALTY TRAINING

Prepping for mass casualty and active shooter events, 24 students recently took part in an 18-hour Maryland Rescue Task Force training course at the new Washington County Public Safety Training Building in Hagerstown, MD. Incorporating fire, EMS and police, the training links together preparation and response for life-saving intervention.

Out in the field, first responders conducted patient assessments (largely on manikins) and drilled, reviewing treatment for collapsed lungs, massive bleeding, tourniquet applications, hypothermia and chest seals. They also practiced victim drags and carries and the use of webbing and portable stretchers to move patients.

Working in concert, under a unified command structure, students also focused on the importance of communication and teamwork to maximize effectiveness and mitigate injury and loss of life.

“Students wore external plate carriers and practiced doing their work around tactical equipment,” said MFRI Advanced Life Support (ALS) Coordinator Chris Biggs, who created the program along with other MFRI ALS coordinators and instructors with extensive tactical backgrounds and experience. “Five instructors taught the course, which focuses on national information and is customized for the state of Maryland,” Biggs furthered.

In the event of an emergency, each county in Maryland activates its own task force and additional counties can be called in for assistance. Task force members can also cross state lines if needed.

above: Training to work as a unified force in the event of a mass casualty or active shooter, 24 students took part in Maryland Rescue Task Force training which brings together fire, EMS and police for life-saving intervention.

The swiftwater classmates and instructors quickly bonded, always cheering each other on and also each counting off throughout the training to ensure everyone was accounted for.

One of the swiftwater student’s birthdays happened to fall on a training day. She mentioned that a friend commented, “You have to go to class on your birthday?” She promptly responded, “Are you kidding? Look at what I get to do for a living.” right: Employing paddling skills, students set out in rescue boats to practice pulling victims out of the water