Hyannis Firefighters, Barnstable DPW team for confined space rescue training

HYANNIS – From the Town of Barnstable: The Hyannis Fire Department (HFD) has been working with the Barnstable Department of Public Works (DPW), specifically the Water Pollution Control (WPC) Division, to coordinate confined space rescue training. The day started out at the Hyannis Fire Department with regulatory information of confined spaces and different methods of identifying hazardous spaces and how to protect oneself. The group reviewed HFD equipment and rescue capabilities. After lunch, the group practiced live scenarios with hands on application of WPC’s rescue equipment at the facility. Supervisor Andy Boule played the victim in one of the pump stations on site. The crew had to safely get Andy out of the space by using retrieval device through a hatch opening. The second scenario used Safety Officer Megan Savage who had to be retrieved from approximately 30’ down into the pump station through several hatch openings. This training was one of many to come and is an excellent way to build relationships to ensure not only that the workers are safe, but that the rescuers are familiar with the potential hazards and spaces they may have to enter.