Shoring up Rescue Operations

Firefighters spent Tuesday learning how to run a rescue operation in the event a tornado or other event would collapse a building during training to be a member of the Region 8 Rescue Team.

When a structure collapses firefighters must figure out a way to stabilize the building using what is referred to as shore techniques. These include creating windows, safety zones and doorways for firefighters to enter and make their way through the building.

"We’re going to be the first ones there and we have to make sure that not only can we go and rescue somebody we make the building safe for us when we go in and attempt to make sure nobody is inside the building or get somebody out of it," said Instructor Matt Scarbury.

Wednesday a construction company will collapse part of the Old County Home in order for the firefighters to get real life training in building shores and rescuing victims. Instructors said it’s important for firefighters to check the structure thoroughly.

"Once they get inside it could fall down with them," said Scarbury. "We’re here to help people and make them safe and rescue people. But, if we don’t take care of ourselves when we go in we’re going to become victims ourselves and that’s not good for anybody."

Instructors said it’s important to have regional teams like this because they can be called out to help their area and not have to wait for help from elsewhere. The instructors for this course come from Bowling Green State University and are based in Dublin, Ohio.