Becoming a Hotshot: Redmond firefighters get advanced medical training from Bend nonprofit
(Update: Adding video, comments from Hotshots)
Redmond Interagency Hotshots learn crucial skills
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The U.S. Forest Service and Beyond the Edge Rescue want to highlight the intense training advanced firefighters take to give them the knowledge needed to save lives during hazardous or remote medical emergencies that may occur during wildland fires.
The Redmond Interagency Hotshots are a unique crew of firefighters, where the focus is developing interdisciplinary leadership skills through intense on-the-job training within the wildfire environment.
People who have been accepted into the program learn a great deal about large fire support, fuels management and team dynamics to prepare them to advance into fire leadership or in other programs in state and federal land management.
Beyond the Edge Rescue, a Bend-based nonprofit, says its mission is to share its experience and knowledge, so crews can be more self-sufficient in medical emergencies until they can obtain advanced care. With realistic and progressively stressful scenarios, students complete the course with skills to save lives.
Jordan Gulley, assistant superintendent for the Redmond Hotshot crew, said Thursday that when emergencies happen, paramedics are called, but the Hotshots are the first responders.
Gulley, a Hotshot for 10 years, says their first priority is to fight fire, but they need to know enough medical training to stabilize an injured person in need.
"They need to understand that they have to get their teammates out in a crisis, as well as they are the resource there," Gulley said. "They're not going to have a whole lot of help when the time comes, and so preparing as a team -- having that common frame of reference -- so we can come together quickly, make decisions quickly, and get someone to safety quickly is our goal."
