SAFD returns to Goodfellow Published Feb. 13, 2014 By Senior Airman Joshua Edwards 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- San Angelo Fire Department recruits returned to the Louis F. Garland DoD Fire Academy for the second of a four-part training session here Feb. 6 and 7. During their training, recruits practiced search and rescue techniques inside a multi-roomed location while blindfolded. "I was expecting the search to be difficult because it's not something we have a lot of experience with," said Matt Malleck, SAFD recruit. "It's difficult to inspect when everything is blacked out. I think the hardest part was hitting every little thing we've learned in class and trying to remember the points of egress." Search and rescue training includes communication skills, the use of tools to check for corners, objects and drop-offs. The recruits also learnt one-handed searches, so they can keep the other hand in contact with their partner and make sure they are not separated. "The biggest problems the students are having today are finding the victims and checking the doors for heat - it's all in simulation," said Capt. Chuck Patterson, SAFD ladder one. "This is a controlled environment, so if they get claustrophobic or lose control, we can help them go back to their training and calm them down." SAFD, in agreement with the 17th Training Wing, uses Goodfellow simulators to help expedite the training process for a double-booked class utilizing the fire academy's newer and more diverse simulators. "We have a memorandum of agreement with the city of San Angelo that allows for mutual training support," said Ken Johnson, Louis F. Garland DoD Fire Academy flight chief. "It benefits Goodfellow in many ways. First and foremost, we are all citizens of this community and benefit from the exceptional service of the San Angelo Fire Department. Any opportunity we have to assist them with training benefits us all in the long run. Secondly, it is always of benefit to jointly train as there are opportunities to learn." For SAFD next two visits, the will recruits will learn tactical ventilation techniques and how to control structural fires. Their training is scheduled to take place in late February and April.
