The Setting and Learning Experience
Location of Learning
The certification for Trench Rescue took place at the Griffin Fire Station. This certification is very helpful because its combines both classroom learning of the actual material and outdoor training. The course actually creates a real trench to give the learner a true feel of what it will be like on a rescue mission.
Through three, 10 hour long days, the learner will be submerged in the world of trench rescue from focusing on the detailed information of this rescue to diving into an actual trench, ultimately allowing the learner to connect the dots between the two. With 8 classmates in attendance, the instructor led the presentation through using several forms of multi-media, such as powerpoint, videos, and traditional chalkboard instruction.
The Learning Experience
The learner is currently earning his certification in Trench Rescue, which adds to a list of countless certifications that he already has.
This particular certification covers a great array of topic, including:
- Soil Typing,
- Collapse Mechanics,
- Risk Benefit Analysis,
- Trench Collapse Action Plan,
- Isolation / Protective Systems,
- Intersecting and Non-Intersecting Trenches,
- Shoring / Shielding (Straight Trench / Intersecting Trench),
- Interpreting Tabulated Data,
- Crush Syndrome,
- Supplemental Shoring,
- Mechanical / Pneumatic Lifting Tools, and
- Release Victim from Soil Entrapment.
This course also prepares firefighters to be first responders in emergency situations of trapped workers underground after an collapse or explosion. This learning experience actually creates an interesting learning experience for each firefighter by combining the two worlds of classroom instruction with field training. This experience challenged the learner in the classroom while afterwards brought a sense of familiarity and competency once they practiced the trench rescue scenario in action.
At the end of this learning experience, the learner should be able to:
* Identify the need for trench rescue.
* Be knowledgeable of the resources needed for trench rescue.
* Activate a rescue response system.
* Control the site and manage the scene.
* Recognize and mitigate hazards
* Identify causes of collapse and common collapse patterns
* Assist with a trench rescue
THE COURSE SCHEDULE
The learners have the awesome opportunity to explore principles for half of the day and take it out in the field for the rest of the day. This is a perfect learning set-up for a hands-on learner who loves to put his learning in action, such as my subject.
Check out the schedule model NEUCSCOURSESCHEDULE.pdf
HOW TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE
In order to fully be certified for Trench Rescue, the learner must complete a Rope Rescue Course that meets the state requirements for this type of rescue competency along with ultimately passing the required State Certification Exam.
Take a look at the Exam Preparation Guide for Trench Rescue.
You would never think firefighters take just as many exams as us, college students.
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