Firefighters Test Rescue Skills on Seabees Course

In preparation for California’s next big disaster, firefighters from across Ventura County have been honing their urban rescue and disaster skills in a training course at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme.

Whether it is rescuing a simulated-earthquake victim buried in rubble or plucking an injured person from a tall building or cliff, firefighters this week have been testing their resolve and their abilities.

Though the training program began in the mid-1980s, it was discontinued in 1992 because of budget cuts and concerns about liability.

This marks the third course this year, and firefighters hope to hold it four times a year.

The site, where Seabees practice their own rescue skills, simulates several disaster situations.

The program involves 35 firefighters from six fire departments in the county.

Firefighters say the course is a good way to set up a single method of recovery and rescue that all fire departments are familiar with.

“That’s why we train the same way,” said Ventura County Firefighter Robert Towers, an eight-year veteran attending his first course.

“So, that when we go into a real-life situation, we are all doing the same thing.”

The Seabee base offers one of the few places where firefighters can simulate a disaster situation, said Capt. Sam Turner of the Ventura County Fire Department.

“We feel very fortunate to use these facilities to practice,” said Turner. “We are learning a lot and having a good time.”