Training

“Let no ghost come back to say training let you down.”

Training is a top priority to ensure everyone goes home. Today we face changing technologies that result in higher temperature fires, lightweight building construction, and a younger generation of recruits. Every Ralston Firefighter is required to be a Nebraska certified Emergency Medical Technician Basic and Firefighter I Hazmat Operations. Additionally, every Tuesday the department body assembles for annual training. Ralston Fire Training Officers provide education in engine operations, forcible entry, rapid intervention rescue, ventilation, hazardous materials and emergency medical scenarios.

EMS Mock Crash Event

Ralston Fire members were tasked with patient care, scene safety and controlling all the care of the “patients” during a mock crash event at Ralston High School [KETV News Story Link]. The idea of this event was to help teenagers realize the importance of safe driving – especially during the prom season.

Nationwide Training Symposiums

Each year the Department sends members to outside trainings including Nebraska State Fire School, Brotherhood Instructors, Les Lukert Conference, FDIC, Omaha Fire Truck Academy, VEHEXT, Phoenix Fire Symposiums, The National Fire Academy, Wichita Fire HOT Classes, JEMS, and any other training that will benefit the fire department.

Our Metro Training Partners

Ralston Fire and Rescue partners with organizations across the metro to bring in professionals across all vocations to present and train from their field experience. We partner with Creighton University, MCC Fire Science Technology, Boys Town EMS, CHI Bergan Mercy Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Children’s Hospital, University of Nebraska Medical Center, BNSF Railway and more.

Training Scenario Simulations

In 2007 the Department purchased the building next door and converted it into a training building. The building has walls capable of being moved to create one large room, or three small rooms. Each room has pre-piped artificial smoke. The building allows members to learn search and rescue, forcible entry, wall breaches, Vent Enter Search, ladder operations, and many other drills. We utilize many props including forcible entry doors, breach walls, Denver drill, an entanglement box, rafter boxes, a removable floor panel, window for VES and bail outs, and a ventilation roof prop.

Simulated Training Burns

Metro Community College Fire Science Technology and the Bellevue Fire Department Training grounds provide controlled live-fire training as well as rope REMS rescue opportunities. Members were able to practice skills related to live fire attack, pumping, hose patterns, rehab and hydraulic ventilation. Rural houses are often donated to the state for controlled multi-department training burns.