Putnam Rescue Squad Training For Submerged Vehicles Underwater

Putnam County Swift Water Rescue Squad members are in Texas training for swift water rescue tactics to improve response.

EMA Director Tyler Smith said unfortunately the training had to be postponed in February, because the skills could have been used this weekend. Smith said it is better late than never, because water rescues have been more common over the last decade.

“It seems like more and more times people are taking more chances crossing these flooded roads,” Smith said. “That’s happened just these last few days where people attempted to cross that road and then get the car gets stalled out and they’re stuck in the waters.”

Smith said these type of operations are difficult to train for. Smith said the rescue squad is training at an indoor facility where a vehicle can be submerged in rushing water.

“It’s difficult and they’ve never been to any type of facility like this,” Smith said. “Where they’re controlling the water flow but you take the real thing and it’s probably one of our most dangerous rescues that we have to attempt.”

Smith said this training is becoming very popular with rescue squads. He said Monday he was contacted by Knox County to find out how they could get involved in swift water training.

“I hear that there’s a lot of people who are signed up for this class throughout the next few months,” Smith said. “So I’m sure with all this flooding that we’re getting, it’s still going to be a class that everybody wants to go to.”

Smith said this is a three-day course. He said when rescue squad members return they will share and teach their team members how to apply the training.