News and Notes from Rockingham County 10/1/15

News and Notes from Rockingham County

By: Taylor Roby

6 New Recruits Graduate from Rockingham County Recruit School

In early August Rockingham County Fire and Rescue celebrated the graduation of 6 new recruits from the RCFR Recruit School. This three-week academy put the new recruits through a variety of different fire and EMS training scenarios to get them acclimated with RCFR SOGs and EMS Protocols.

During the first week of the school recruits were put through a variety of NFPA 1410 evolutions focusing on Engine Company Ops. They were taught efficient ways to advance different hoselines, and how to efficiently move with a 2 ½ in. attack line. In addition to hoseline advancement the recruits reviewed all of the different appliances and equipment that are carried on the engines in Rockingham County.

The second week focused solely on EMS and ambulance operations. Recruits were taught the EMS protocols that RCFR follows and given their protocol updates. Once the classroom scenarios were completed recruits were given real life scenarios to test their skills. These scenarios started off just as any 911 call would with a dispatch and simulated response. Once the recruits arrived on scene they were tasked with evaluating, treating, and transported simulated patients. With cooperation from Sentara RMH simulated patients were taken to the hospital and recruits were able to train on giving a patient report to the receiving RN at the hospital, as well as go through pharmacy procedures and the documentation process.

In the final week of Recruit School the new recruits were put through truck company operations training. During this week recruits performed search and rescue training, forcible entry training, and ventilation training. Recruits were taught proper search techniques utilizing thermal imaging cameras and given some tips and tricks as to how to use the cameras to your biggest advantage. VEIS procedures were also covered and recruits were able to practice this technique to be proficient prior to graduation.

Finally, recruits were put through several live burn scenarios in an acquired structure. This allowed for more realistic training and fire attack methods. Also after all interior evolutions were completed the recruits were able to practice defensive attack methods as well.

Rockingham County Fire and Rescue would like to congratulate the recruits on completing this recruit school. The knowledge they gained will help them be successful throughout their careers with RCFR. Also RCFR would like to thank all of the instructors that made this recruit school possible for the new hires.

Congratulations to Firefighter Justin Cooper, Firefighter Stanley Barbour, Firefighter Cody Monger, Firefighter Tyler Simmons, Firefighter Wesley Meadows (not pictured), and Firefighter Jordan Keyser.