With a lucky break in the weather, the Bedford Fire Department Junior Corps joined up with the junior members of the Katonah-Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps for an EMS themed patient packaging drill.

After an overview of our EMS response policies and a walkthrough of the new Rescue 44, members were mixed into four separate teams, each headed by an EMT, to perform patient packaging. While many had a chance to be a patient, participants worked on their collar sizing and application skills, use of the spider straps and speed clips, as well as supine packaging and "standing takedown" techniques commonly used in the field. Important points were also stressed on patient movement and transportation, as well as scene safety.

The joint drill was a great success, and we certainly look forward to working with KBHVAC in the future. A big "thank you" to Firefighter/EMT Peter Meineck and his fellow KBHVAC members for helping to set up and run the drill.

The BFD Junior Corps members, age 15 to 17, meet and train every other Sunday for several hours, covering a wide range of topics in both the EMS and fire sectors. The program, established in 2004, currently has 14 active members, and is run by Captain Graham Glauber. Anyone interested that lives within our fire district are encouraged to apply; consult our website or stop by the firehouse for more information.

Photos are courtesy of KBHVAC member Jessica DeAlto.