Crews Work on FAST Rescue Skills

This past month, the members of the Westmont Fire Company received training on FAST (Firefighter Assistance Search Team) Operations. Unlike the typical rescue company, the only purpose of a FAST Team is to search for, locate and remove trapped or missing firefighters.

The training program, put together by the Camden Fire Department, consisted of two parts. The classroom instruction, led by Captain John Merklein of the Camden Fire Department, was held at the Westmont Fire Company. Many topics were covered that night from the history, objective and purpose of FAST Teams to the chain of command, tools and problems and challenges that they may face.

The second part was the hands on drill which was held in Gloucester City. Again, led by Captain Merklein with the assistance of Gloucester City Battalion Chief Bob Williams, firefighters were given some instructions including the last known possible whereabouts of the firefighter in question.

For this evolution, a 275 lb. dummy was used to simulate the approximate weight of firefighter in full gear, soaking wet. The members were then broken down into seven teams consisting of two men per team. Team by team, in proper intervals, and in a controlled environment, firefighters were led into the building. With limited visibility, the goal was to locate the firefighter and begin to remove him as quickly and as safely as possible, while at the same time reporting back to the Incident Commander any issues that may assist the other teams.

On average, it generally takes over 20 firefighters to complete this task, depending upon conditions. For this exercise and not under extreme conditions, it took the Westmont Fire Company five teams to complete this task which, according to the instructors had rarely been achieved.

For more information on becoming a volunteer with the Westmont Fire Company please call 854-1444 or stop by the firehouse any Tuesday evening beginning at 7pm.