UPFFA Holds Successful Fire Ops 101

July 10, 2009 – The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut (UPFFA) held its third consecutive Fire Ops 101 program for state legislators in April at the Hartford Fire Academy. The program was an opportunity for six Connecticut lawmakers to experience a day in the life of a professional fire fighter and understand the importance of the staffing, training and equipment needed to do the job every day.

"Each year, we see more interest and participation in the Fire Ops 101 program," notes UPFFA Secretary Louis DeMici.
 
The six legislators -- Representatives Kevin Ryan, Joe Taborsak, Jason Perillo, Bill Amann, Hector Robles and Matt Lesser -- took part in a structure fire, performing a ventilation on a roof simulator approximately six feet off the ground and pitched using a roof ladder, saws and hand tools. In addition, the group entered the burn building to conduct search and rescue, advance hose lines and put out two active fires.

Next, the legislators participated in a motor vehicle accident with extrication, during which they assessed the situation, performed rapid patient treatment and extricated the patient using the Jaws of Life and hand tools. This scenario involved cars on their roofs and sides, completely smashed. Participants also confronted broken glass, sharp metal points and simulated blood and other bio-hazards.

In the third scenario, which focused on Incident Command, the lawmakers saw firsthand the need for an Incident Command system and the importance of staffing and proper equipment at all types of incidents.

The day concluded with an EMS drill for a patient in a motor vehicle accident. Participants treated the patient with an automatic defibrillator, administered advance life support procedures and prepared the patient for transport.

"Throughout the day, we had the legislators go through rehab, where we took vitals and compared them to earlier baseline vitals to make sure they were okay to continue," explains DeMici.

The UPFFA was assisted by the Salvation Army, which set up its canteen truck and provided water and snacks. "They made sure everyone was hydrated and were willing to help out in any other ways needed," says DeMici. "They were glad to assist us and be part of the program. We cannot thank them enough."

At the end, all six state representatives had gained a new appreciation for what fire fighters do and the difficulty of the job.