It’s hard to convey the significance of last night’s MAYDAY training session at Trappe Fire Company. Following a classroom training session presented by Doug Linberg of the Montgomery County Fire Academy, real-life simulation drills were conducted in the apparatus bay at the Fire Station. In small groups, the firefighters simulated a search and rescue mission while blindfolded, simulating heavy smoke conditions. The instructor then simulated a sudden unexpected hazard like ceiling collapse, wire entanglement, disorientation, etc to see how the firefighters responded under pressure. One main message from Instructor Linberg, “Don’t wait until it’s too late to call MAYDAY. Call at the first thought that you’re in trouble.” We train every Monday night so when called into action our response is coordinated and safe and effective.
