Earlier this month (Jan 11th-Jan 15th), the Mineral Wells Fire Department hosted a training course that included firefighters from multiple counties. As Mineral Wells’s population has been growing over the years, the MWFD has been focused on ensuring they have the training needed for what is coming. Firefighters from Bryan, Travis County, and Frisco also participated in the course here at Ft Wolters’ fire training field.
Sponsored by The Texas Department Emergency Management (TDEM) and taught by The Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), The H-504 Trench Rescue Level I & Level II training course is a 40-hour course. It is designed to help teach Law Enforcement, Hazmat, EMS, Public Works, and Fire Service personnel how to safely rescue a person from a trench. A significant factor in this training is following OSHA standards.
Since the MWFD had already finished certifications for Confined Space Rescue Level I and Rope Rescue Level I, the MWFD is now Pro Board certified in Trench Rescue levels I and II. As our community grows, The MWFD is doing everything in its power to become more knowledgeable.
“We didn’t have Technical Rescue capabilities until the last couple of years. We are still in the building phase, so we don’t have all the equipment necessary and are training several people as funds, time, and classes are available. Rescue is very dangerous, and when people aren’t trained, they will do something. That something sometimes injures or kills the would-be rescuers.”
Mike Pool, Fire Chief/Fire Marshal, MWFD
It is great to see our fire department taking the lead on hosting these optional courses for the safety and training of the firemen of Mineral Wells as well as the firemen from surrounding areas.
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