By: Jake Short, Torch Staff
Fire Science at Bloomington Area Career Center are going to the drill station in Bloomington-Normal to simulate situations they may face when entering a burning building.
The students are faced with crawling through tight spaces, and maneuvering through obstacles such as dangling wire and rope while staying with their partners at the same time. Fully equipped with gear, students work their way through whatever they are faced with.
Self Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA) and Personal Protective Equipment (P.P.E) are one of the things every Firefighter has to accommodate to. This SCBA confidence course allows these students an upper hand in getting used to SCBA and P.P.E for when they join a department.
AC Isaacs, Fire Science instructor, said, “It is good they get a feel for the equipment so that the students get used to it now, rather than later in the future.”
“This course gives us a good challenge and always puts us to the test; it is amazing how we are able to accomplish what we knew nothing about in the beginning of the year,” said Normal Community junior Guy Gudemen.
Mason Ratcliff, Homeschooler senior, said, “Getting over claustrophobia is difficult and facing it now is good so that we do not freeze when a real situation arises.”
“The tight spaces can really get to you, simulation or not, everything can be ok one second then the next you are tangled up or stuck in a tight space,” said Olympia junior Mason Moore.
Even though this course is fairly new, it is a great hit with the students. They love overcoming the challenges, such as finding a baby in the mess and having their sight taken away. The course allows the instructor, AC Isaacs, to give them a feel for anything and everything so they are comfortable when things go wrong in a structure.
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