• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Fire Department Performs Confined Space Rescue Drills

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090603-27
Release Date: 6/3/2009 9:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Kristopher Regan, Naval Public Affairs Support Element-East Det. Europe

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Naval Support Activity (NSA), Naples Fire Department performed a confined space rescue drill at NSA, Naples Capodichino base May 29.

The drill took place in a manhole which exposed the fire fighters to a life-like scenario.

A training mannequin was lowered into the manhole to mimic a person who was incapacitated. The team of firefighters then took action and rescued the mannequin with the use of various tools and teamwork throughout the squad.

"These types of drills allow us to get real-world training and also help us understand how to work together better," said Assistant Fire Chief of Operations Chris Bender.

The main purpose of this particular drill was to give the firefighters the proper training when it comes to rescuing people in tight spaces.

"The idea of the drill today was to increase the proficiency of confined space rescues and keeping our skills up to date," said Bender. "It's a perishable skill; if you don't use it you'll lose it so we do this regularly."

In addition to the NSA Fire Department, the local Vigili Del Fuoco from the Capodichino airport attended to see how NSA operates.

"It is important that we are all cooperative because in the case of an extreme emergency, we will have enough men with the proper training to handle any job," said Vigili Del Fuoco Station Leader Inzo Cirboni.

The safety department observed the drill as a requirement observing the fire department to ensure that safety remained a top priority during the drill.

"We train as if it was a real emergency, and safety is always the most important thing," said Cirboni.

This drill is conducted on a quarterly basis, and this drill is just one step the fire department takes to stay ready for any challenge they may face.

For more news from Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsano/.