Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Joe Cashion | The South Carolina Forestry Commission displayed their standard firefighting equipment...... read more read more
EASTOVER, S.C. - Inspired by the International Fire and Emergency Medical Services annual Safety and Health Week, Fire and Emergency services at the South Carolina National Guard’s McCrady Training Center in Eastover, S.C., hosted one of their own June 15-19, 2015.
This year’s theme was Create a Culture of Safety and all EMS personnel and shifts were encouraged to focus all non-emergency activity on health safety and education. Kevin Powers, fire inspector at MTC, coordinated this first-ever event of its kind to be held at McCrady.
“I did the entire planning, and believe me, it wasn’t easy at first,” he said. “But once we got the ball rolling and other agencies got on board with us, it all fell into place.”
One of those agencies, for example, was the South Carolina Forestry Commission, who brought a display of a bulldozer they use to fight fires and taught a class in tactics, as well.
“They explained to us how they operate, what their procedures are and to coordinate with us in the event we have to work together in an emergency situation,” said Powers.
Powers explained the benefits of multiple agencies working with McCrady Fire and EMS during the Safety and Health week.
“It helps educate us and those base wide on better techniques and procedures,” Powers said. “It also helps build a camaraderie with other agencies to help each of us work together better in the event of an emergency.”
Other classes instructed during the week included workplace safety, fire extinguisher training, physical fitness, driver safety training and LifeNet of South Carolina landing zone safety.
"Creating a culture of safety will result in fewer fatalities, injuries, and illnesses, resulting in a stronger, more resilient fire and emergency service," said National Volunteer Fire Council Chairman Philip C. Stittleburg. “Together, we can achieve culture change and reduce the risks our responders face."
It is no secret that emergency response is a dangerous job. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 100 firefighters died in the line of duty in 2013 and more than 65,000 were injured. Studies have shown that firefighters are also at increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and behavioral health issues such as PTSD.
Despite the daunting task of coordinating the inaugural event here at MTC, Powers says he’s already looking forward to the future.
“We plan on doing this every year,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.20.2015 08:20 |
| Story ID: | 167358 |
| Location: | EASTOVER, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 512 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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