EFD Members Advance Their Skills with Intensive Swiftwater Rescue Training
Three members of the Elkins Fire Department (EFD) are now even better equipped to respond to water emergencies after successfully completing a rigorous Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Technician course.
The intensive three-day training, held near Oakland, Maryland, focused on advanced techniques for navigating fast-moving water, victim recovery, and team safety in hazardous flood conditions. This specialized skillset is critical for protecting both the public and first responders during severe weather events and water-related incidents.
The commitment to continuous training is a cornerstone of professional fire service. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firefighters in larger career departments spend an average of 90 hours per year on drill and training activities, ensuring they are prepared for any emergency. EFD civil service and volunteer fighters train almost daily; schedule weekly training sessions; and depending on their schedule, easily complete a total of anywhere between 100 to 200 hours of training annually.
New firefighters train for several hundred hours before they become firefighters, whether they are volunteer or civil services members of EFD.
This recent training underscores the department’s ongoing dedication to achieving the highest level of readiness and service for the Elkins community.
To view a photo essay from this demanding training course, take a look below.
Scroll through the gallery above to view all photos.
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