UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
MARYLAND FIRE AND RESCUE INSTITUTE
BULLETIN JULY - SEPTEMBER VOL.55 NO. 3
MFRI RESCUE TRAINING IN ALASKA: STRENGTHENING SKILLS IN THE LAST FRONTIER MFRI instructors regularly travel across the U.S. and abroad to train first responders, but teaching in Alaska required our instructors to adapt to the remote terrain, challenging weather conditions, and limited resources.
Ed also explained that the equipment is totally different and they use different terms for equipment. Some fire engines are jacked up to enable transport through the terrain and snow.
In July, lead instructor Ed Rachinskas, joined by Jimmy Artis, Rick Hartle, and Ron Beyerlein spent ten days teaching Confined Space Rescue at Clear Space Force Station, about 80 miles south of Fairbanks. Situated on an 11,000-acre site, Clear Space Force Station plays a vital role in national security. Its service members track intercontinental ballistic and sea-launched missiles and also detect and track about 30,000 space objects daily.
There are no fire hydrants. There is no daylight during the winter and there are no lights when it’s dark. The average winter temperature dips to -20°F.
“At the space station, everything is top secret,” said Ed. “No radio communication, Bluetooth, location services, phones, or smartwatches are allowed. If you need backup, you can’t call for help.” Additionally, since there are a very limited number of first responders, all of them have to be well-rounded and trained in fire, EMS, rescue, and HazMat.”
The trainers also traveled three and half hours east to Fort Greely picking up instructor PJ Cusic along the way. Fort Greely also plays a critical role in national defense and missile detection. MFRI instructors were on base for three and half weeks teaching Common Passenger Vehicle Rescue and Trench Rescue.
Despite the challenges, all of the students passed the class. “Emergency response in Alaska looks nothing like it does in the lower 48,” Ed explained. “Four people go out on a call. You might get three more from a ‘neighboring’ station. The average ambulance call is 80 miles away and can take four to five hours.”
photo: MFRI Instructors brought Confined Space Rescue training to Clear Space Force Station in Alaska. The top-secret space station is a challenge for first responders as no communication technology is permitted in their buildings. continued page 3