Heavy duty rescue training can save lives
Knowing what you are working with means a lot in this line of work
PRO Ethnos Fire and Rescue hosted one of its intense, heavy motor vehicle rescue training sessions in Kempton Park.
On August 10, MSC Fuels Depo volunteered its spacious premises in the industrial area to be used to train 10 students from 9am to 3.30pm. Companies sponsored old heavy duty vehicles to be used during demonstrations.
Director of operations Jurie van Staden demonstrated why Pro Ethnos had become an expert at saving lives under difficult and dangerous conditions.
Van Staden successfully led a team of medical emergency personnel who needed further specialised training through the demonstrations.
According to Van Staden, this line of work requires people with expertise because it is about saving lives in situations during which an ordinary man would not know what to do.
“Heavy motor vehicle rescue training is very important because there are not a lot of experts in the field at the moment in South Africa. Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents happen and when they do, they require emergency personnel who have undergone specialised training and have the critical skills.
“Recently a bridge collapsed on a highway. There are other accidents which involve heavy vehicles on a daily bases.”
Pro Ethnos believes in keeping up with the times and trends with regards to material and technologies used in the industry.
“Knowing what you are working with means a lot in this line of work. You cannot just be pulling a belt or pressing buttons you do not understand while trying to rescue a trapped and injured person. This is why this line of work requires the type of training we offer and we have medical personnel coming to us to further their knowledge and earn appropriate and recognised qualifications.”
The training would not have been possible without MSC Fuels depo, Petit Motor Spares, Rescue Tech, Acme Salvage, Van Wettens Towing and Truck n Cargo. These companies contribute resources needed to train students adequately.
Pro Ethnos also specialise in firefighting and provide training in hazmat, medical, health and safety, construction and plant operation.
