An inter-company 'Scott-Pak' training session was held on Sunday morning, at our department Training Facility, on Northville Turnpike. Members of both the RedBird Hook & Ladder and the Reliable Engine Companies were in attendance.
The main objective of this drill was to teach our newest members some SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) confidence. With blacked-out masks, they crawled through a maze of rooms, trying their best to maintain their orientation of where they were in the structure.
They practiced; primary search, reduced profile, entrapment, and forcible entry techniques, all without the benefit of vision.
Just prior to the practice, Reliable Captain Kevin Brooks held a SCBA refresher class. All details in the proper care and use of the 'Scott' brand of breathing apparatus were discussed and demonstrated.
All photos by Ex-Captain Inzalaco
Captain Jim Grace describes what today's drill will entail.
Some probationary members 'packing-up' at the door.
Because this was strictly a 'SCBA' confidence building class, no tools were carried. That distraction will be added their next time in.
The officer is asking "OK guys, now that you've climbed some stairs, made numerous turns, and gone through a few doorways, all while completely blinded, tell me where you are? Are you on exposure 1,2,3 or 4? And where is your nearest emergency exit?"
A new member practicing a low-profile technique. The 'skinny' guys love teasing their 'big-boned' counterparts during this exercise.
