This past week the Paris Fire Department hosted Oklahoma State University Fire Service Training to help with a specialized confined space training that will further aid local firefighters should they be called to a rescue.
“We try to keep farmers, agriculturalists, firefighters, and feed mill workers safe in grain bins if anything should happen,” said lead OSU Rescue programs coordinator Dean McFadden. “Each year, there are around 200 people killed in grain bin accidents across the nation.”
McFadden explained that what makes this type of training crucial for firefighters was combined hazardous elements that are encompassed within the one confined space system.
As far as the possibilities in Paris and Lamar County, McFadden and his team reminded local firefighters that this training applies to Kimberly-Clark, Campbell’s Soup, and the Skinner factory, to name a few that have elements to which this specialized training would apply.
All three department shifts were put through a half-day classroom training before putting information into a practical setting with the OSU simulated silo trailer.
“The trainer’s that came down were extremely knowledgeable and thorough in both the classroom and simulated training,” said PFD captain James Dority.
One of the critical aspects of the training, McFadden said, was to remind those who may attend this style of rescue continually to ensure they correctly risk assess the incident, monitor their air, and take the necessary steps to ensure a successful retrieval.
“Each of these firefighters are squared away,” said McFadden. “I can’t brag on them enough, they have taken to the training well, and were already very knowledgeable of the practicalities and risks that are associated with this type of rescue.”
“The best part about having the opportunity to get the best training available is that we are always learning new and updated techniques to help victims, and keep ourselves, and buddy’s safe during a rescue,” said driver engineer Dustin Huff.
OSU Fire Service Training is an extension/outreach unit of Oklahoma State University’s College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT). OSU Fire Service Training has a legislative mandate to train Oklahoma’s emergency responders and provides Oklahoma emergency responders a broad spectrum of training ranging from the necessary skills to more advanced specialized topics.
McFadden said that after he and his team (who are all retired or current career fighters) ran through the three-day department training, they have no worries that a rescue call should come in that each member will be more than prepared to achieve a successful rescue.
“We are always appreciative when the department allows us to get specialized training to ensure we are best prepared for any emergency situation,” said Deputy Chief Bob Rast.
Should any fire department, whether city or volunteer, wish to get information on hosting a training, can contact Dean McFadden at dean.mcfadden@osufst.org
