WEST VALLEY, N.Y. - EM and its cleanup contractor at the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP) recently conducted first responder training on lifesaving interventions in the event of emergencies such as active shooter situations.
CH2M HILL BWXT West Valley (CHBWV) Safeguards and Security Manager David Schuman held the tactical emergency casualty care training for WVDP security officers and fire and emergency management personnel throughout Cattaraugus County, where WVDP is located.
Schuman shared best practices on readily deployable lifesaving interventions and point-of-wounding care in high-threat emergency responses. About 30 people took part in the training at the West Valley Volunteer Hose Company Firemen’s Memorial Hall, including 22 who work at WVDP.
“You can never overplan for emergencies," Schuman said. “To be prepared in our field, one must take advantage of beneficial training opportunities like this. You must always be learning what’s new in the field that could help prevent incidents, protect workers, and save lives."
Participants learned about the phases of care in a high-threat environment, how to care for patients at or near the point of wounding, and the roles and integration of emergency services in active shooter responses.
Trainees administered first aid to wounded victims in an active shooter scenario. This included the use of tourniquets, bandages for severe bleeding, and dressings to treat penetrating chest wounds. Research shows that the sooner personnel can give first aid after an active shooter incident, the better the chances are for recovery and survival.
“While the focus of our training was on response to aggressive deadly behavior events, these are techniques and skills the security officers can use in their daily jobs and workplace injuries as well," Cattaraugus County Public Safety/Emergency Services Medical Director Dr. Brian Walters said.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
