There is no call more challenging to fire ground operations than the MAYDAY call — the unthinkable moment when a firefighter’s personal safety is in imminent danger. Firefighter fatality data shows that firefighters becoming trapped and disoriented represent the largest portion of structural fire ground fatalities. During the month of March, members of Big Bear Fire Department will complete life-saving training through the Fire Ground Survival (FGS) program created by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). This program provides step-by-step tools for the firefighter if they become lost, disoriented, injured, low on air, trapped, or are leading a rescue effort. This is the most comprehensive survival skills and Mayday prevention program currently available within the fire service.
Firefighters Prepare to Prevent Personal Injuries and Fatalities
BIG BEAR, CA/March 9, 2017– There is no call more challenging to fire ground operations than the MAYDAY call — the unthinkable moment when a firefighter’s personal safety is in imminent danger. Firefighter fatality data shows that firefighters becoming trapped and disoriented represent the largest portion of structural fire ground fatalities. During the month of March, members of Big Bear Fire Department will complete life-saving training through the Fire Ground Survival (FGS) program created by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). This program provides step-by-step tools for the firefighter if they become lost, disoriented, injured, low on air, trapped, or are leading a rescue effort. This is the most comprehensive survival skills and Mayday prevention program currently available within the fire service.
“The guiding fire service philosophy is training for success. This training teaches how to put the fire out, mitigate other hazards and get everyone home safely. Practicing under these simulated conditions is essential to firefighter survival,” said Battalion Chief Ryan Harold. What a firefighter knows about a fire before entering a blazing building may radically change within minutes once inside the structure. Smoke, low visibility, lack of oxygen, combustible and explosive gases, structural instability, and an unpredictable fire ground can cause even the most seasoned firefighter to be overwhelmed in an instant.
The curriculum is a combination of classroom presentations, coupled with interviews with firefighters who have survived Mayday incidents. Training culminates with three daily drill sessions where all members of Big Bear Fire Department will reinforce these vital skills.
For additional information on this or other fire and life safety topics, please contact the Big Bear Fire Department at www.bigbearfire.org or (909) 866-7566.
Photos: 2016 Live Fire Training
