CFD's Teaches Regional First Responders How To Respond To A Structural Collapse

The Chattanooga Fire Department hosted an 80-hour structural collapse specialist class that teaches rescuers to be able to assist and mitigate a structural collapse incident. Students began the course with learning how to lift, move, break, and breach different types of heavy objects that they would encounter in a collapse situation. They also learned how to turn the collapsed structure from an unstable, to stable environment in order to begin rescue operations. This class is vital for our regional USAR team. Structural collapse capabilities have come into play in recent years following natural disasters like tornadoes, and other instances when structures have been compromised by car wrecks, for example. It’s also part of our USAR Team’s deployment capabilities in the event that they’re called to a structural collapse in this region. There were 22 participants in the class, including firefighters and members of law enforcement. Agencies represented include: Chattanooga FD, Cleveland, TN Fire Department, Soddy Daisy Fire Department, Red Bank Fire Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, and Bradley County Fire & Rescue.

The final exercise created a “real life” scenario at a property on Highway 153 that the CFD has received permission to use as a training site. It simulated a wreck involving a car that left the roadway and struck a residence, trapping several victims. Students were tasked with problem solving using their newly acquired collapse specialist skills. All of the techniques they learned were used to conduct the mock rescue safely and effectively. Members of the class will continue learning in September with confined space training and trench rescue in October.