JBER Fire Department trains for crucial moments

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • JBER PAO
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  It's always a good to be on your toes and prepared for the worst. That's why the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Fire Department ensures they have a plan for worst-case scenarios.

Airman from the JBER Fire Department teamed up with the members of the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron Liquid Fuels to perform a confined space entry rescue drill June 30.

The scenario played out like this; members of the liquid fuels flight were doing a routine cleaning of an underground jet fuel tank when one of the members fell, breaking his back. The crew from liquid fuels was unable to make the recovery themselves and called for assistance from the fire department.

Firefighters arrived on scene, and were briefed on the incident. After donning the proper equipment, they were lowered into the confined space to perform the rescue.

"(It) can be challenging, there's a lot of equipment and specialized knots and rigging systems that are involved in an exercise like this," said Tech. Sgt. Richard Matteson, JBER Fire Department, A-Shift Battalion Chief.

The equipment isn't the only challenging part; Sergeant Matteson said they always have to be cautious of hazardous material. They need to know what type of fumes or contaminant may still be in the bottom of the tank so they can ventilate the area or supply the crew with oxygen.

All firefighters stationed on JBER are required to participate in some portion of this type of exercise annually, whether they are the rescuers or assisting them as they go down.

Airmen can sit in a classroom all day and talk about the procedures, Sergeant Matteson said, but it's vital they get the hands-on experience to familiarize themselves with the equipment and how the scenario would likely go down.

JBER Assistant Fire Chief Michael Lefebvre said, the psychological aspect plays a big part as well.

"It's more mental," said Mr. Lefebvre. "You have to prepare and react to whatever you encounter, right at that moment."

Not only is the training itself important, but the fact that they are involved with another squadron on base is a plus.

"It's a great opportunity to get out here and work jointly with some of the other squadrons, like liquid fuels," said Sergeant Matteson. This way, the two departments have an idea of what each other will do in a situation like this one.

Mr. Blayne Ross, a JBER firefighter and one of the rescuers harnessed into the space to make the recovery, said he felt this training was very valuable.

"I think (the training) is important," said Mr. Ross. "Because this can possibly happen (in real-life scenarios). It's good (to have) a scenario like this so everyone can see what needs to go on."