Firefighters Test Rescue Skills on Seabees Course
In preparation for California’s next big disaster, firefighters from across Ventura County have been honing their urban rescue and disaster skills in a training course at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme.
Whether it is rescuing a simulated-earthquake victim buried in rubble or plucking an injured person from a tall building or cliff, firefighters this week have been testing their resolve and their abilities.
Though the training program began in the mid-1980s, it was discontinued in 1992 because of budget cuts and concerns about liability.
This marks the third course this year, and firefighters hope to hold it four times a year.
The site, where Seabees practice their own rescue skills, simulates several disaster situations.
The program involves 35 firefighters from six fire departments in the county.
Firefighters say the course is a good way to set up a single method of recovery and rescue that all fire departments are familiar with.
“That’s why we train the same way,” said Ventura County Firefighter Robert Towers, an eight-year veteran attending his first course.
“So, that when we go into a real-life situation, we are all doing the same thing.”
The Seabee base offers one of the few places where firefighters can simulate a disaster situation, said Capt. Sam Turner of the Ventura County Fire Department.
“We feel very fortunate to use these facilities to practice,” said Turner. “We are learning a lot and having a good time.”
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.