Often the statement is made "Firefighters are brave. They run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out." But what happens when firefighters are running in to save one of their own? This is unfortunately happens every year across the United States where firefighters are required to enter a burning structure and rescue a fellow firefighter who has become lost, trapped or involved in oa myriad of other problems.

On Thursday, March 20, 2014, at the department's monthly fire training, members of the Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company welcomed new member Jason Blake to teach our members how to deal with rescuing a firefighter. Jay is a full-time firefighter and paramedic with Montgomery Country Fire and Rescue assigned to the Training Academy, and also teaches through the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. The purpose of the monthly training was education on how to help a fellow firefighter that is injured on an incident.

Assisted by Foreman Scott Baker, Firefighter/Paramedic Blake instructed members on how to care for the injured firefighter. This encompassed from the initial rescue all the way through transport to the hospital. Skills such as proper extrication from SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and quick and safe removal of the injured firefighter's Personal Protective Equipment. This was followed by elements required in emergency medical care of injured firefighters. Members were able to get hands-on experience with the proper cuts to the Personal Protective Equipment by utilizing expired turnout gear and a mannequin to simulate a real-life scenario.

Members in attendance ranged from our newest member of only a few weeks, to those with decades of experience, as well as officers of the department. This invaluable training is designed to help firefighters and other rescue personnel prepare for the stressful situation of taking care of another injured firefighter. This provides them with the tools and knowledge to be able to act quickly and effectively to save a life of what may be their brother or sister firefighter.