EMS and fire work closely in a number of ways. One of the ways that EMS supports fire is by providing medical coverage at fire scenes. Injured firefighters pose a challenge in that they are literally covered in protective gear. Fast access is essential to provide essential medical care.

In June PVRS trained with members of Potsdam Fire to learn how to remove turn out gear while simultaneously performing CPR on a downed fire fighter in teams of 3. One person was responsible for stabilizing the firefighter and removing his helmet and mask. One person was responsible for loosening the straps to the SBA, removing gloves and positioning hands inside the coat. And one person was performing CPR. The team then slid the fire fighter out of the gear.  The teams were able to remove the firefighter from the gear in under 30 seconds without interrupting life saving CPR.

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