FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-533-9398
Email: john@jgpr.net
*Joint Release* Stoneham and Wakefield Firefighters Complete RIT and Survival Training
STONEHAM — Stoneham Fire Chief Matthew Grafton and Wakefield Fire Chief Michael Sullivan are pleased to announce that firefighters from the Stoneham and Wakefield Fire Departments completed Rapid Intervention Team and Firefighter Survival Training.
Two groups of firefighters, which included Stoneham Groups 2 and 4 and Wakefield Groups 1 and 4, along with an engine company from Winchester, attended the training last week at the vacant Hurd School in Wakefield — the first group on June 6 and June 8, and the second group on June 7 and June 9.
The course provides attendees with the training needed to understand and implement rapid intervention, which is self survival and safe extrication of a firefighter who may be lost, disoriented, injured or trapped at an emergency scene.
Skills taught include corridor search, large area search, SCBA harness conversion, proper use of the RIT Pack, one and two person drags, firefighter removal up or down a staircase, removal out a window utilizing various carries and ropes, as well as ladder assisted lifts from a basement.
“This is an extremely challenging and rigorous training that requires firefighters to be in gear and enact real-life rescue scenarios on their peers,” Chief Grafton said. “I’m glad that Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester were able to complete this training because we often work together for mutual aid and rely on each other for assistance in emergencies.”
“RIT and survival training is critical for firefighters,” Chief Sullivan said. “When on scene at an emergency, if we receive a mayday call, it is imperative that we have the skills needed to safely enter and exit a location to help a firefighter who requires assistance.”
Stoneham Groups 1 and 3 and Wakefield Groups 2 and 3 will take the course in the fall.
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