Our final event was to learn about medical evacuations while
on the fire line. We watched a video about a situation where a firefighter was
injured and needed to be evacuated by helicopter. However, it was almost 12 hours
before he was removed. The team relied too much on the helicopter coming, but
there were many dead ends for the helicopter.
We learned how to carry a crew member out on a litter and
how to make one from materials at hand as well. Our group also showed the
instructors how to use our Nomex shirts to create a litter; it held
light and heavy weight successfully.
Next, we ran a scenario. Our crew was once again split in
half for this. We were assisting on a fire where we had to attack from two sides.
One had to go up a very steep logging trail to attack the fire, and the other took
a slightly less steep trail. I was on the crew on the less steep trail.
We were digging line when it came across the radio that
there was a medical situation with a firefighter – she had twisted her ankle
severely. We continued to work because the situation was under control. Soon
after however, the situation escalated and they needed help getting her from
the fire line.
We made our way off the line we had dug and made our way to
the other crew. We picked up the litter that was laying at the gathering point
and climbed the hill.
Then I had a problem…
My physical limitations wouldn’t have allowed me to safely
carry her, myself and my tool down the side of this hill. I had problems
getting up it as it were, and when I realized this I had a small anxiety
attack. I let my squad leader know what was going on and explained my
limitations. I then removed myself from the situation without jeopardizing the
safety of myself or others.
I felt terrible that I had to bow out, but, at this point I
thought to myself it’s almost over there’s not much I can mess up now. But
another part of me was worried that I would fail the camp because I didn’t
finish that part.
They brought her down off that steep hill in a safe manner;
someone had thought to tie all the tools together and bring them down that way
to give the others balance while carrying her. They signaled the helicopter
(no, not a real one) in and got her evacuated swiftly.
Next week I will post the conclusion to my series! I hope you stayed tuned!
-Katie
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