Hudson, NH — November 4 — Based on lessons learnt from real line-of-duty death investigations, the Hudson N.H. Fire Department expanded the IAFF Fire-Ground Survival Course to include advanced rescue techniques. Firefighters are trained in Mayday operations, wall breaches, below-grade rescues, evacuation protocols, and firefighter CPR. To replicate actual fireground conditions, each scenario required SCBA and full turnout gear.

The below-grade rescue evolution demonstrated the high degree of coordination required by concentrating on rescuing a firefighter who was stranded in a cellar without stairs. During Mayday training, one firefighter called for assistance while another member exercised resource management and command duties. Every firefighter who completes the course will know how to help a distressed teammate as well as how to do self-rescue. Through this federally funded initiative, Hudson Fire continues to place a high priority on readiness and safety.