Training
Confined Space Rescue
When working in an enclosed area or underground, it is possible to become light-headed or overcome by nausea due to limited oxygen or some other atmospheric condition. If this occurs you should evacuate this space as quickly as possible to prevent passing out and requiring rescue.
Confined space is described as an area large enough for a person to perform work, where entry/exit are limited, and not meant for human occupancy. All Davis firefighters are trained to respond to incidents involving these areas, such as, railway storage cars, collapsed buildings, wells, etc. The weeklong training is designed to make firefighters aware of the dangers and challenges associated with confined space rescue and the state and federal regulations that govern these incidents.
Never go into an area you might not be able to get out of!
Trench Rescue
With new and existing construction comes trenching; a long, deep cut in the ground used for laying water, sewage, and electrical pipes. Some trenches can be as deep as 30 feet. While working in a trench a worker can become engulfed by collapsing soil and require rescue.
The Davis Fire Department received 40 hours of training and exercises to deal with these types of emergencies.
Through the act of shoring the walls of the trenches with wood, and using specialty devices to stabilize the walls in place, firefighters can safely make their way to the patient and continue the rescue operation. After gaining access to the patient, through continuous digging and communication, they must receive emergency medical attention as soon as possible. These techniques can also be used in landslide and structural collapses.
Water Rescue
As the seasons change and the rain begins to fall, the fire department must be prepared for the possibility of a water rescue. In the Davis area waterways such as the causeway, creeks, lakes and sloughs create a potential hazard for drowning. The Davis fire department has specialty equipment they use when a rescue is needed: ropes, flotation devices, telescoping poles, and cold water protection. Although the department is trained in still water rescue, swift water rescue can be performed from the shore.
Training takes place at some of the local lakes and pools; firefighters can train on different rope rescues, flotation devices, and communication skills. It is important for the firefighters to relay important information to the victim they are trying to reach. Such as telling the victim to face forward with their legs out ahead of them when caught in a fast moving current, so they can reach out for a rope when it is made available.
