Members of the Hartford Area Fire and Rescue downed firefighter CPR training at their March meeting. The Hartford Area Fire and Rescue have started using their monthly meetings to have break-out training sessions on different topics. (Photo/Submitted)

Sara Stadem | Editor 

The Hartford Area Fire and Rescue has recently started using their monthly meetings to hold break-out training sessions on various topics that they can do jointly with EMTs and Firefighters, according to Chief Matt Horn. 

Their meeting on March 10 provided training for downed firefighters CPR training which was suggested by one of their members. According to Chief Horn, cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of firefighter’s line of duty deaths.

“We do annual CPR and AED training, but I don’t believe we have done downed firefighters CPR training as a whole department before,” Chief Horn stated. 

Chief Horn explained doing CPR on a firefighter in a bunker gear and wearing a SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) is much different and more difficult than performing normal CPR. “The helmet, face mask, air pack and bunker coat have to be removed to allow for defibrillator patches, IV/IO access, and for quality CPR to be performed manually or with a LUCAS device,” Chief Horn said. He continued, “The training we did showed our members how we can give continuous chest compressions while at the same time removing all of their gear.” 

There were 30 members that attended the March meeting and the trainings count towards the required training hours for firefighters. EMTs can also get credit hours towards recertification depending on the subject material, according to Chief Horn. 

At last month’s meeting, the Hartford Area Fire and Rescue had training on Ice Water Rescue. Chief Horn explained members were shown how to inflate their Rapid Development Craft, attaching safety ropes and how to haul or pull the craft back to the shore after the rescue has taken place. 

“The training was great. Our members are now aware and were able to practice how we can provide high quality CPR and remove a firefighter from their gear at the same time,” Chief Horn said. He continued, “It’s one of those things that we never want to do but now we are prepared in case it ever does happen.”