WALTON - The Walton and Downsville Volunteer Fire Departments held a joint training session Tuesday, Jan. 22 and engaged in a specialized rescue drill on the Bear Spring Mountain trail system in the towns of Colchester and Walton.
Walton firefighters train two mornings and two evenings per month, according to Walton’s Second Assistant Chief Brennon Tompkins, who facilitated the training. Though Walton firefighters train on a variety of topics, the joint training with Downsville is not something they typically do, Tompkins said. It was an opportunity for the two departments to work together outside of a 911 response call and get to know one another, their skills sets and the apparatus and equipment of each department.
Walton utilized its three UTVs (utility terrain vehicles) for the training session along with ambulances and EMS members participating in the drill. Downsville firefighters utilized their UTV, which has a winter track system to easily navigate snow. Downsville also brought a tow-behind patient sled, which provides a different method from how Walton firefighters transport patients in rescue situations. Weather is always a factor in any response situation, Tompkins said. To keep a patient warm and as comfortable as possible in a rescue situation, Tompkins said, hot packs, cold weather blankets, and speed in transport are key. “With injuries, time is of the essence. The faster we evaluate, treat and transport, the better,” he said.
EMS personnel, Tompkins said, “are the backbone” of rescue calls; firefighter personnel are assets in transporting and accessing patients, he said.
“But EMS providers call the shots. The patient’s wellbeing is top priority for all involved and EMS is the deciding factor in that,” Tompkins said.
Walton firefighters have previously responded to calls that mimicked the training, Tompkins said. The Bear Spring Mountain trail system is a popular destination for hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, cross country skiers, snowmobilers and nature lovers, and is located in the Walton and Downsville Fire Districts. It made sense to drill and train together on Bear Spring, Tompkins said.
Walton’s current volunteer roster contains approximately 50 members, in addition to 15 members of the Explorer’s Unit and 15 auxiliary members.
“We always need volunteers,” Tompkins said.
The Walton Fire Department averages 250 fire calls and over 500 EMS call annually, he reported. There are volunteer opportunities in a variety of roles from interior firefighter to support personnel to paramedics.
“All volunteers play a vital role in the functions of our department,” Tompkins said.
For more information or to volunteer contact the Walton Fire Department at 607.865.4958.
