Boat explosion training exercise takes place in San Diego harbor
FOX 5’s Jaime Chambers was a participant in the training. Watch his first-hand report in the video player above.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A multi-agency training exercise led by San Diego Lifeguards that simulated a boat explosion took place in along the harbor on Wednesday.
The exercise walked through the motions for what a coordinated response would look like for rescue teams spanning 18 state, federal and local agencies during different worst-case scenarios.
San Diego Fire-Rescue’s Lifeguard Division Chief James Gartland stressed the necessity for such collaboration, explaining that these large maritime incidents are difficult for one agency to handle. “We have to coordinate,” he continued.
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Rescuers faced chaotic scenarios, transitioning from femur fractures to surf sleds and conducting patient triage with limited resources. Victims, portrayed by lifeguards, presented a variety of injuries and were transferred to shore where fire crews and medics took over at the triage site.
Transporting patients from vessel to vessel emerged as a critical training focus, with Gartland highlighting its infrequent occurrence and its potential to expedite hospital transportation and improve survival chances.
“We can work on our communication, we can work on our vessel tactics, work on our rescue tactics,” he explained.
The exercise provided participants with a deeper appreciation for the challenges of being outnumbered in water rescues, whether acting as rescuers or victims.
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