Events
Wake Tech Emergency Training Is Hands-On
Nationally-Recognized Expert Leads Exercises
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 22, 2010) - Local emergency responders saw some heart-stopping action on Saturday - collisions, overturned vehicles, and trapped passengers needing rescue. Fortunately, it was all an exercise, part of an intensive day of hands-on training Wake Technical Community College held for fire and rescue personnel in Raleigh on June 19.
Thirty-seven firefighters from stations in Wake and surrounding counties participated in the exercises, led by nationally-recognized expert Billy Leach, Jr. This is the first time Leach's training has been offered in Wake County. The day-long event allowed participants to hone emergency response skills and practice winching and rigging operations in car/tree collisions and wrecks involving overturned vehicles. The practice makes these difficult and dangerous operations safer and more efficient.
"Sometimes it's necessary to step out of the classroom," says Anthony Caison, Dean of Wake Tech's Public Safety Education Campus, "to provide practical applications. Wake Tech focuses on delivering top-quality instruction, and we know that hands-on training is absolutely critical in preparing our first responders."
Wake Tech's continuing education division provides in-service training for more than 3,000 local firefighters each year and also trains emergency medical technicians and law enforcement officers. This fall, Wake Tech will offer a new associate's degree program in Fire Protection Technology.
