Local firefighters are the first to respond when disaster strikes.
Events such as Hurricane Andrew and the deadly spring tornados of 1998 have highlighted the need for Florida firefighters to train in search and rescue techniques involving structural collapse. Firefighters from Orlando Fire Department, Orange County Fire Department, Ocoee Fire Department, and Winter Park Fire Department will participate. The training will be conducted in a building which has been partially collapsed prior to the beginning of the course. Rescue workers will learn techniques dealing with emergency shoring, debris search, and victim rescue.