Paramedics hone lifesaving skills

[Newsman]

Paramedics hone lifesaving skills

This past week was dedicated to educating people about Emergency Medical Services as part of National EMS Week.

It was five days -- 48 hours of intense training for the EMS Special Operations crew.

"They go through a wide variety of technical rescue programs, ranging from high angle technical rescue, hazardous materials and weapons of mass destruction to aquatic rescue training and also wilderness search and rescue," training captain Ken Larsen said.

In all, about 70 people are assigned to EMS Special Operations in Austin/Travis County. Each person takes this course at least twice a year.

"The training the rescue paramedics undertake is a very intensive training," Larsen said.

Water rescue training is one of the main focuses right now.

"This time of year we're coming into the hurricane season. We have the likelihood of seasonal flooding, flash flooding as well as the increase in use of recreational boat operations out on the lake," Larsen said.

EMS personnel take the course twice a year.

Paramedics say this type of training is invaluable.

"The crews get a lot of fun out of the training. It is physically demanding and it's one of the things that keeps them in top shape," Larsen said.

It's also important to make sure you're familiar with areas of the lake so you can let rescue crews know where to find you.