VIDEO: A training simulation held by the Orlando Fire Department gave participants the chance to dive head first into safety — teaching them how to respond if someone is hurt through a disaster, like a hurricane. It was planned by OFD’s Community Risk Reduction Division, which creates educational programs to keep the city safe. About 40 people participated on Saturday, including Sasha Davila, who was earning her CERT certification. “It’s a pretty good way to learn how to handle these situations,” said Davila.
Davila told Spectrum News she was a volunteer firefighter while living in Ecuador. She appreciates the hands-on training to understand how to help others in the case of an emergency. “You never know when something like this happens in your community, so if you have the knowledge, you can handle the situation and help your community,” she said. The group participated in several scenarios, including extinguishing fires and providing first aid to victims.
OFD Lieutenant Jacquelyn Pollock says participants are receiving training they can use and teach others. “They’re going to relay the message of preparedness and having things lined up in the face of a major storm,” said Pollock. She says OFD has disaster plans in place, but this program fills the gap while first responders are on their way. “People within the community who are already out there are trained and capable to go out into the community and stabilize the situation and get eyes on what’s going on out there,” explained Pollock. Pollock says this was their first time in nearly a decade having this training, which OFD intends to have on an annual basis.
