Bullitt County Visits Nolin for Safety Training

 

 

Lynn Bledsoe

Gimlet Managing Editor

 

Last week Bullitt County performed swift water rescue training at Nolin Dam.

After the April floods Bullitt County decided they wanted to invest in its fire departments, those who are paid and those who volunteer. Water rescues have become a vital part of their departments. Bullitt County put money toward the training and purchase of special equipment to make it a success. Bullitt County has developed a special operations group and is training everyone they can in swift water, trenches and confined space ropes.

 

 

Bullitt County had about 30 people in total in the area that practiced hands on swift water. There were 10-15 instructors, who over saw that safety regulations were followed. The 25 students spent a week learning about swift water rescues. They even performed night training, for this trainees needed to wear glow sticks while in or around the water so they could be visible at all times. They also had several flood lights, so the risk was limited but they still wanted everyone to see what a nighttime water event is like.

Dustin Headley, with Zone 10 Fire, said the instructors spent a lot of time making sure everything was safe. He also cautioned that if anyone sees water over a roadway or walkway to not attempt to cross it.

 

 

Nolin was chosen due to a variety of factors. Several permits were applied for, but Nolin was the one who would or could release the amount of water, 3200 cubic feet per minute, needed for the training.