Training for crashes is vital for first responders
By Terry Murry on Monday, December 13th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WESTON – Crews from East Umatilla Fire & Rescue underwent training last week. The topic was how to safely respond to motor vehicle accidents. Chief Dave Baty says those are the most dangerous calls his first responders answer.
“There’s a greater risk for a firefighter or responder injury or death at an MVA than there is at a wildfire event or at a structure fire event,” he said.
Baty said a program provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation offers a vital training element in keeping personnel safe.
“It basically taught us how to effectively control traffic and when you have to shut traffic down completely,” he said. “It showed us the different techniques on that.”
Baty said that area law enforcement is also a big help in protecting first responders during a motor vehicle crash response and investigation.
