Self Rescue Rappel Training 2010

Bradenville Volunteer Fire Department 71

Ligonier Borough 43

Two departments trained recently on performing evolutions of self rescue using rescue ropes and devices.  The training was to provide a quick safe life saving skill awareness to consider last resort self preservation if necessary.  The training was mandatory by the Chief officer and the skill was directed and demonstrated by the Rescue Captain.  The complete training included the components, techniques, and problem solving knowledge skills and abilities to perform the evolution.  The evolutions were in a controlled environment and redundant safety belay was employed.  The training did provide an opportunity to experience the exit from a second story and to control descent and rappel proficiencies for some for the first time.

Underride Extrication Training 2010

Chestnut Ridge Community Volunteer Fire Department 110

Ligonier Borough 43

Two departments trained recently performing evolutions on underride type incidents Saturday July 10, 2010 at the Chesnut Ridge Central Station.  Chestnut Ridge is an approved turnpike responder and Ligonier Borough provides mutual aid on large incidents.  The underride evolution is a specialized extrication tactic that requires specific operations to secure the haul vehicle and maintain the safety of the fire rescue personnel while the patient can be swiftly and safely removed using the approach of removing the wreckage from the patient.  The evolution involved entering the vehicle through the trunk and gaining access to the passenger compartment.  This is done while keeping a close watch on the elapsed time to ensure the preservation of the golden hour for trauma patients while maintaining reponse personnel safety.

Extrication University March 2010

Fallowfield Twp 47 (Washington County)

Whitney-Hostetter 73

Ligonier Borough 43

Three departments dedicated Sunday March 28, 2010 to enhancing their skills on rescue techniques.  The departments all using Genesis Rescue Tool equipment practiced all facets of rescue from stabilization through advanced hydraulic tool cutting and spreading.  Junior fireman were involved learning basic rescue while 30 year veterans shared and honed their skills with everyone.  The effort included a burger, hotdog, and potato chip feast for lunch prepared by Chief Church.  11 vehicles, as well as, the gratuitous use of the Malinish Auto Salvage yard property were donated for the training and it allowed many hands on scenarios to test the skills of the rescuers.

Ladder Refresher

Ground & Aerial

State Fire Instructor and Chief 112 conducted a refresher course for Stations 42, 43, and 71 on Monday March 15.  The course involved classroom study with a "test your knowledge" quiz and then practical exercises at the Ligonier Valley Middle School.  The three hour refresher was an excellent use of time and skills with new and not so new members working together on all ground ladders and also use of Tower 43 on aerial operations interdepartment wide.

Drill Tower Training

Ligonier trained with Greensburg Company 8 and South Greensburg Station 32 at the Greensburg Drill Tower on Saturday October 24, 2009.  Multiple crews drilled on search and rescue and fire suppression in a multi-floor dwelling.  Full scale evolutions with fog/smoke generators and life size rescue dummies simulating adults, pediatric and animals were placed in the structure and rescued.  Hand warmers were placed in the mock victims to simulate heat signatures to try and identify victims using Thermal Imaging Cameras TIC's.  Hoses were advanced and used to represent full scale fire operations.  A complete water supply with hydrant flow and in line pumping from Engine 32 and Tower 43 were in full operation for pump operator training and pump exercising.  Also, aerial tower exercises and training were conducted in the three hour exercise. 

Foam Review

Station 43 with the arrival of new foam eductors and 80 gallon of B foam for use in fighting Polar Solvent Fires to supplement the onboard Rescue 43 A foam capabilities trainied with Norvelt and Youngstown firefighters on 8/31/09.  Johnstown Fire Chief Tony Kovacik provided the Bucks County Certificate Course that included a 1 1/2 hour classroom review and then 2 1/2 training exercise at the Donaldson Ball Field.  Members used the appliances in creating and applying foam from three different means. 

SCBA TRAINING

Station 43 personnel recently participated in a rigorous multi-level, multi-room SCBA obstacle course located at the former Fire Station. The exercise included entering on Division 1 and proceeding to Division 2 and then down to Sub-Division 1. Obstacles included chairs, table legs, stairs, doorways, debris piles, confined space, and uneven floors. Firefighters worked in teams of two with constant communication with operations command and incident command. Face pieces were covered to exclude visibility. Mayday situations were encountered and effectively controlled. Great learning experience for the novice and excellent refresher for the veteran.

Station 43 trains regularly and these pictures below capture the dedicated service of our members who participate many hours in the service of increasing their knowledge and ability to serve the public.  We consider training with our other valley departments as our link to total service to the community at large and we enjoy learning and trading ideas on a regular basis in our annual drills and extrication rescue scenarios.

Indiana Fire School - Live Burn Class

HAZMAT Operations at 44

Rope rescue refresher