Firefighters and Forest Rangers Worked Together During Rescue Training

Panama, N.Y. — October 20 — Members of the Panama Volunteer Fire Department participated in their monthly training session, which included an exercise focused on retrieving an injured hunter from an outdoor setting. The training emphasized the procedures for locating and safely removing an injured individual in a wilderness environment.

During the session, firefighters had the chance to practice their rescue techniques and simulate a scenario involving an injured hunter. Kati Sheldon volunteered to act as the injured person, assisting the team in carrying out the hands-on exercise.

Two New York State Forest Rangers joined the training and worked alongside the fire department members.

Their presence offered firefighters the opportunity to learn from professionals who regularly handle wilderness search and rescue operations.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Forest Rangers frequently respond to incidents involving lost, injured, or distressed individuals.

These missions often require coordination with local emergency services and volunteer rescue teams to locate individuals and transport them to a safe location.

Training exercises like this allow emergency responders to review their protocols, improve communication, and prepare to function effectively together during real-life incidents.

Practicing realistic rescue scenarios also enables crews to pinpoint areas that may need improvement before an actual emergency occurs.

The Panama Volunteer Fire Department expressed gratitude to all participants in the monthly training, including Kati Sheldon for her role as the victim and the two Forest Rangers for their involvement and shared expertise. The department is based at 27 E. Main Street in Panama, New York.