Camarillo Search & Rescue Training
updated: Jan 14, 2013, 11:01 AM

Source: Ventura County Fire Protection

VCFD to practice tunnel and super-confined space rescues

Members of the Ventura County Fire Department's Urban Search and Rescue team will be conducting specialized training on Thursday, January 17, 2013 in a storm drain channel located in the city of Camarillo. The training is designed to allow firefighters to practice with recently acquired equipment for rescues in tunnels and confined spaces more than 300 feet long.

The equipment includes closed circuit breathing apparatus (CCBA) that increases the capability of firefighters to work for extended periods in confined spaces. This increased productivity will also enhance the survivability of patients by giving firefighters more time at a confined space rescue. The CCBAs allow the firefighters to work almost eight times longer than they can using the standard self- contained breathing apparatus typically used at structure fires and other emergencies.

Ventura County has three railroad tunnels in Santa Susanna - the longest is more than a mile long - hundreds of miles of storm drain systems and flood control channels, and other confined space tunnel infrastructure at dams across the county. The 2008 Metrolink train accident in Chatsworth was only moments away from occurring in the longest Santa Susanna tunnel.

At the drill, firefighters will be making simulated rescues from a vehicle accident and other confined space rescues. Accommodations will be made to allow access to the storm drain for filming.

Due to the location and nature of the training, this exercise is not open to the public.

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