| and Mike Simmons of the Baltimore City Fire Department assisting with the planning and execution.
The scenario placed FWFC units at a two-story mixed-use building with smoke showing. As the first-arriving engine made entry, a MAYDAY was transmitted, initiating a complex rescue operation involving multiple trapped firefighters and a civilian.
The interior of the burn building was configured with multiple simulated roof and ceiling collapses, including a firefighter and civilian buried beneath the debris. Crews were challenged to locate, package, and remove victims under difficult conditions. Two additional live firefighter victims required rescue — one from the first floor and another who had to be moved up the interior stairs before being lowered down the exterior stairs.
The first night of training focused on the fundamentals needed to accomplish these rescues, including:
🔹 Saw operations
🔹 Firefighter packaging and movement
🔹 Rope systems for lifting and moving firefighters
These skills were put to the test during the second night, requiring teamwork, problem-solving, and the ability to operate under realistic and physically demanding conditions.
We would especially like to recognize FF Jerry Smith Jr., who remains an active member of the Fort Washington Fire Company. We greatly appreciate the time and dedication he continues to invest in our training program. His real-world experience, including incidents he has personally responded to, brings invaluable lessons learned and proven tactics into our drills. That experience helps ensure our training reflects the challenges firefighters face on actual emergency scenes.
A huge thank-you to Jerry, Mike, and everyone who helped plan, organize, and participate in this training. Drills like these push our members outside their comfort zones and help prepare us for the moments when another firefighter’s life may depend on our ability to perform. |
