Training for first responders is a hot topic from time to time particularly when it pertains to firefighters at the county level. There were many struggles at the county level over the years to establish training standards and standard operating guidelines, but eventually these measures passed.
Since the passage of these standards though, there have been many well-meaning councilmen, who on occasion, wanted to lower the standards or cut back on the required training for fear of losing “good volunteers” and stating this is not “the big city” as if that is some type of an excuse not to have standards.
While the types of training needed might not be the same, the need for training and the need to be trained for the types of disasters that occur in your area is a necessity.
Yesterday’s grain bin rescue is the perfect example of the need for training. Just a little over three months ago, several first responders at city and county levels took the time and the initiative to get trained for grain bin rescues probably thinking that it was unlikely that this training would ever be put to use.
Yesterday, they got the call that someone was trapped in a grain bin and they got the opportunity to put that training and that preparation into action keeping first responders safe and making a successful recovery. Knowing what to do and how to do it paid off and resulted in a positive outcome, and that’s why the proper training is so important. Good training helps keep first responders safe and helps them keep the public safe. The importance for good training and enough training shouldn’t be diminished or ignored. Sometimes not knowing what to do or how to do it can cause more damage and more harm than good. Fortunately, trained personnel were at the grain bin and knew what to do.
Having training standards won’t run off or deter “good volunteers.” Fire service or any first responder service, whether paid or volunteer, is a calling and a commitment. A “good volunteer” will be willing to make that commitment to train properly and will welcome the opportunity to be ready for whatever may come. Set the bar high, and the “good volunteers” will meet and exceed the standards. We commend all of our first responders for their dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and their willingness to train and stand ready for the community.
Editorial: Training For First Responders
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