KENNEWICK, Wash. – Kennewick firefighters took part in their annual confined space training on the hills of Southridge alongside Benton County Fire District One and the City of Kennewick.
The exercise involved accessing a 35-foot-deep hole using nothing but a system of ropes and pulleys. In the bottom of the hole, a city worker played the part of someone trapped and possibly injured.
The Technical Rescue Team (TRT) spent over an hour going through equipment, rigging pulleys and ropes and maneuvering into the hole’s opening to retrieve the trapped individual.
Mike Heffner, Deputy Fire Chief for the Kennewick Fire Department, emphasized the importance of the training, even if these types of rescues are infrequent.
“The training is essential… and again, helps us to improve our plans, identify equipment, and training we need,” said Heffner.
The training exercise was timed, showcasing the critical nature of seconds when it comes to saving lives. The TRT also trains in two other types of rescues, ropes and trenches. Their specialties aren’t targeted towards a specific person or occupation, rather, any environment.
Ben Singley, a Captain with the Kennewick Fire Department, participated in the training. He shared insights about the hidden dangers of confined spaces.
“It’s a very dynamic environment,” said Singley. “It’s really tempting to go get near them, go exploring… but you don’t know what kind of dangers are down there.”
For safety reasons, the operation was closed off to the public. However, some city personnel, including Dana Dollarhyde, Lead Communications Specialist for the City of Kennewick, had the opportunity to observe the training.
“This is definitely an expert’s job. They know what they’re doing,” said Dollarhyde.
It was Dollarhyde’s first time seeing the TRT set up and train to rescue somebody in a real environment. She reiterated how skillful and communicative everyone was during the training.
“It’s really a team effort and it’s very cool to see the experts be experts at what they do,” Dollarhyde stated.
The annual training helps ensure that Kennewick’s emergency responders are prepared for the unique challenges of confined space rescues. It also allows them a unique opportunity to work with other agencies in non-emergency scenarios.
To learn more about the TRT, click here.
