With Rescue Squad 14 designated as the northside technical rescue support unit, the volunteers from Berwyn Heights have started to increase our training in the technical rescue disciplines associated with these responses.

For the first formal training, 13 volunteers participated in a Swiftwater Awareness class.  The class started with a slide presentation and lecture in the training room at Station 14.  Topics covered in the lecture included recognition of various water features, types of personal protective equipment, site control and management, and water rescue priorities.  Following the lecture, the volunteers conducted hands-on training at the Dickerson Generating Station's whitewater kayaking course in Dickerson, Maryland.  Skills performed included basic survival swimming, throw bag deployment, eddy hopping, setting up and using tension diagonals, and wading techniques.

Plans are in the works to conduct additional technical rescue courses in the near future.  Stay tuned for future website updates.