Beginning in October and running through November, all sworn Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R) Firefighter/ Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were required to attend the Fall 2011 Training block presented by the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) section.

The training block exposed firefighters to updated information on crush injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, trauma patient evaluation and treatment, mass casualty incidents, eye emergencies, and spinal immobilization in the elderly.

Rene' Pizzo, PF&R EMS Training Supervisor, taught the training block

Before attending the training, firefighters were asked to prepare by reviewing Multnomah County EMS protocols and PF&R Operational Guidelines specific to training content.  These protocols and guidelines provide parameters to guide emergency personnel when providing medical treatment.

Training blocks such as this help position firefighters to quickly deliver critical care to citizens in distress.

  Portland Fire & Rescue