Guilford Firefighters Train in Confined Space Rescue

Last week Guilford Firefighters took part in an annual confined space training exercise that was conducted at the abandoned water tower on the corner of Boston Post Road and Tanner Marsh Road. Firefighters practiced entry procedures which included pre-entry air monitoring and ventilation techniques. These techniques are used to monitor for harmful gases that can be dangerous to those who enter the space. Special ventilation fans are used to bring fresh air into the confined space to help remove harmful gases. Procedures for removing victims through small spaces were reviewed and practiced. The Guilford Fire Department is equipped with the latest in confined space rescue equipment and has a team of 30 confined space rescue technicians ready to respond as a local and regional asset. Due to the department's equipment and certified personnel, The Guilford Fire Department has a mutual aid agreements with many shoreline towns including Electric Boat in Groton, CT. Some Guilford confined space technicians were trained to respond to any serious fires in military submarines requiring confined space rescue services at the submarine manufacturer.