September 21, 2007

Bondage 101


In another entry in the training diaries, my squadron recently recieved some basic EMS training from the Cordova Volunteer Fire Association, and their resident EMS trainer.

Although we didn't learn how to drop an airway, bag someone or administer albuterol, we did learn some valuable stuff that anyone on a ground team should know. By the end of the night, all our cadets and Ground Team Members could splint any fracture, place a collar on someone with a neck injury and roll a victim onto a backboard an tie them down. The course was jokingly dubbed "Bondage 101" by some of our cadets, carrying on a tradition that seems to permeate the EMS world.

Although we are not certified, in a crunch situation we could do all the above. One of my Cadets is a licensed EMT with the Fire Department anyway, allowing the other members to serve in an assistant role. The Cadets certainly enjoyed the change of pace. Usually our nights are filled with lectures, marching and maybe some hands on training. Overall a positive experience for all and recommended if you can work it out.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I recommend that your high speed GTMs get rated as First Responders.

Remember, the First Aid requirement in the SQTR is only a minimum...

It's a big commitment, (40 hours) but I've found the team really pulls together during the training, and hits the field absolutely sure they are qualified to do the job.

Keep up the good work.

Semper Vi!

- Midway Six

What's a Flight Officer? said...

Thanks, Midway Six

Getting everyone First Responder qualified is HIGH on our list of things to do. Our big issue now is getting everyone affiliated with a fire station, which is a requirement here in MD for the certification.