FIREFIGHTERS HONE RESCUE SKILLS

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melanie Holochwost
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AETCNS) --  Five firefighters from across the Air Force joined five Luke Airmen for technical rescue training at the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center, Ariz., Jan. 10 through 31.

According to Steven Kinkade, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron assistant training chief, Luke is the best place to host any kind of fire training because its firefighters have access to one of the best emergency response training facilities in the world.

Kinkade said the three-week combination of hands-on and classroom training teaches Airmen how to rescue victims in confined spaces. They also learn to perfect their knot and harness skills.

Once a firefighter goes through technical rescue training and receives certification, they can be part of a rescue crew.

"We were evaluated on basket raises and lowers from high-angle situations and rappelling off high point," said Staff Sgt. Michael Alvarado, 56th CES firefighter. "In a real-world situation, we would use this skill to rescue a victim who is trapped in an area hard to get to, such as a mountain side, ravine or canyon."