06/17/2026
Recently, members of Ellerslie Fire Rescue traveled to the Columbus Fire and EMS Training Facility to conduct self-rescue and fireground survival training.
This training was presented by the CFEMS training officer and staff, and the practical drills were assisted by recent graduates and current students of the most recent CFEMS training academy class.
Stations were established both in the pavilion, as well as the training tower, to simulate conditions that firefighters may encounter when involved in interior operations.
This allows each individual firefighter to train for emergencies where they may be trapped by debris, disoriented, separated from their fellow crew, or running out of air far from the entry or exit points.
It teaches them to properly call a mayday, activate their personal alarm system, and attempt to self-rescue by freeing themselves from debris and finding ways to escape.
Firefighters in LaGrange were faced with an almost fatal mayday situation not long ago, and suffered serious burns and injuries in a very small, almost routine house fire call.
Columbus has not had a mayday situation, but the training officer taught that you have to train as if you're going to have one on any call.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to CFEMS for the use of their excellent facilities and staff.
Consider supporting them in their efforts to maintain their peer support program by purchasing a new shirt or hat.
Read about it here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18dTFcUSW2/
