The last thing we want to see is a firefighter in cardiac arrest. However, it is a potential scenario that might occur during a rescue of a downed firefighter from inside a burning building. The latest iteration in our current drill program focusing on firefighter survival and rescue was our drill on Monday night September 30 which concentrated on techniques to initiate CPR on a downed firefighter as soon as possible during a rescue operation.

One of the biggest impediments to providing quality CPR to a firefighter is the plethora of personal protective equipment. Despite protecting the member from the dangerous conditions encountered, the gear can interfere with lifesaving measures. Therefore, it must be redeployed or removed ASAP to permit chest compressions first, and ventilation and administration of drugs as soon as may be afterwards.

Therefore, members drilled on prompt removal of helmets and facepieces, repositioning of breathing apparatus tanks and separating the member from his/her protective coats and trousers. This involves multiple firefighters to unbuckle straps, disconnect hoses and literally pull the downed firefighter from inside the ensemble. Further, this must be done without compromising the firefighting operation that is ongoing in the background.

Another skill we hope we never need...