Retired New Bedford Fire Chief Mike Gomes conducts a drill with Canton firefighters on how downed firefighters can control breathing to conserve air, giving themselves a better chance to be rescued. (Photo courtesy Canton Fire Department) 
Capt. Andy Morgan (left) and Firefighter Robert Manning practice a rescue carry of a downed firefighter in a stairwell at Canton Fire Headquarters. (Photo courtesy Canton Fire Department)
CANTON — Chief Charles Doody reports that all members of the Canton Fire Department have begun part one of a two-part safety and survival training this week.
Firefighters will be trained in special techniques focused on rescuing firefighters who become trapped, lost or injured in a fire.
Part one includes classroom work and hands-on training at the Canton Fire Department Headquarters. Some of the skills firefighters are practicing include a rescue carry of a downed firefighter in a stairwell and how downed firefighters can control breathing to conserve air, giving themselves a better chance to be rescued.
Part two will take place in the spring. Firefighters will practice the safety and survival techniques they learned in a live burn building at the Fall River Firefighting Academy.
The training is funded by a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG). The $94,290 grant funds the training for all of Canton’s 53 firefighters.
Following the completion of the training, all firefighters will be able to deploy as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) at fires in Canton and in neighboring communities.
“Continuous training on survival and rescue skills is crucial for the safety of firefighters,” Chief Doody said. “This training will help Canton’s firefighters practice techniques both to help save themselves, and to help them save their fellow firefighters. We’re thankful to have the opportunity to do this two-part training, and are grateful for the funding provided by the Assistance to Firefighters program.”
Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG)
Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) are allocated to fire departments nationally to fund and aid the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations.
These federal grants help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
###