February was a busy month for Alameda Fire Department (AFD), with both peer support and water rescue training on the agenda.
First, AFD partnered with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Local 689 to host Peer Support Training for a large number of members. This training is designed to help firefighters and emergency medical workers navigate the stresses they face on the job.
Incidents involving children, violence, inherent dangers of firefighting, and other potentially traumatic events can have a cumulative impact on mental health and well-being. Peer support recognizes these risks and provides a lifeline to those crucial responders who face these complexities of the profession.
This course was taught by two instructors from IAFF and included members from surrounding agencies such as Oakland Fire and Alameda County Fire Department. The training provides the knowledge and skills our firefighters and responders need to provide support to their peers and gain a basic understanding of common behavioral health issues affecting the fire service, according to IAFF. It can serve as a bridge to community resources or behavioral health treatment when indicated.
Water Rescue Drill
On February 24, AFD conducted a simulated Water Rescue Drill near Ballena Bay. This drill provided an opportunity for members assigned within the department’s Marine Operations program to train on their surface water rescue and dive rescue skills as well as to provide command and control training for prospective acting Battalion Chiefs, according to an AFD report.
Protecting this island city means that our fire department must routinely respond to water rescue incidents around the island of Alameda. The department provides a multi-disciplined response to these incidents, including a combination of surface rescue swimmers, inflatable rescue boats, a subsurface dive team, and a fire boat.
