HAMBURG, NY — August 10 — On August 10, junior firefighters from the Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department took part in a search and patient-extraction training exercise, working together with the department’s STAR Team and emergency medical services personnel.

The training involved the juniors in a wooded setting where they practiced identifying and safely removing a simulated patient.

To reach the patient, they used all-terrain vehicles and off-road rescue equipment, which are essential for navigating challenging and hard-to-reach terrain that standard emergency vehicles might not be able to handle.

This exercise gave the juniors valuable hands-on experience in patient access, communication, teamwork, and movement in an off-road environment.

Collaborating with experienced firefighters and EMS professionals also allowed the juniors to observe how specialized resources are integrated into rescue operations.

The Hamburg Volunteer Fire Department is based at 301 Union St.and serves the Village and Town of Hamburg.

For the broader emergency services community, this exercise highlighted how early, practical training can play a key role in shaping the next generation of firefighters and EMS personnel.