Public Safety Officials Attend Swiftwater/Flood Rescue Training, Discuss Importance
ST. LOUIS April 22, 2008—Top officials within the Department of Public Safety were in St. Louis today to meet with firefighters and water patrol officers enrolled in an intensive swiftwater/flood rescue course held at Six Flags theme park.
“In any emergency situation our first concern is always the safety of Missourians,” Gov. Matt Blunt said. “We have seen an extraordinary number of federally declared disasters over the past three years and these specialized rescue courses for our first responders are one of the ways we are enhancing the safety of all Missourians.”
“In disastrous conditions, certified and trained
responders who understand and are equipped to handle dangerous situations
are paramount or they may become victims themselves,” said Director
of Public Safety Mark James.
Today’s training is shadowed by recent widespread flooding testing
first responder’s capabilities in harsh conditions. Rain-soaked
parts of Missouri forced hundreds to flee from their homes and sent
first responders into rushing waters to rescue those in dangerous situations.
“The water scenarios exercised today expands on existing knowledge
and tests endurance to the breaking point,” State Fire Marshal
Randy Cole said. “Swift water rescue is used during incidents
where time is of the essence – to people trapped in fast-flowing
streams, rivers or floodwater.”
“Our officers must first understand crucial survival
skills in unsafe waters before they attempt to get in the waters and
attempt to save lives,” said Colonel Rad Talburt of the Missouri
State Water Patrol.
The initial emphasis is to assure the safety of the rescuers themselves.
Objectives include an in-depth look at such subjects as understanding
moving water dynamics and hydrology, handling hazards and obstacles,
conducting basic boat-based rescues, using technical rope rescue systems
and controlling in-water contact rescues.
During the March flooding, the Missouri State Water Patrol assigned 54 officers to the southeastern part of the state and the St. Louis area. Twenty-seven department rescue boats were used to assist with 324 rescues/evacuations.
The University of Missouri Fire & Rescue Training Institute offers this type of course several times a year and is one of hundreds of courses to prepare emergency responders.