This week's Monday Night Drill was "Ventilation" for our Firefighters and a "Weather Emergencies" drill for our EMTs.

The "Ventilation" drill had our Firefighters practicing how to properly vent a roof by using a chainsaw to cut holes while on a roof simulator at the South Salem Firehouse. Ventilation in the fire service is “the systematic removal of heat, smoke and fire gases from a structure” with the associated benefits of victim survivability, increased visibility and reducing fire spread. We would like to thank the South Salem Fire Department for allowing us to use their ventilation roof simulator this past Monday Night.

The "Weather Emergencies" drill had our EMS personnel going over hot and cold weather emergencies this past Monday night. Our EMTs identified the signs & symptoms of weather related conditions for a patient, reviewed such weather related illnesses such as hypothermia and went over how to properly handle treatment & transportation of a patient dealing with various cold or hot illnesses. Vista EMS personnel then went through several "hands on" scenarios on how to actively cool or rewarm patients suffering from a weather related illness.

If you are interested in being part of our team at the Vista FD, visit us any Monday night from 6:30pm - 9:30pm or click the "Become a Member" tab at VistaFD.org for more details!