Ramstein firefighters train in mass casualty exercise

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kenny Holston
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) --  Firefighters from the 435th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Protection Flight faced billowing smoke and screaming casualties during a mass casualty exercise Feb. 11 at Ramstein Air Base.

Fire trucks responded to the scene of a burning warehouse with victims still inside.

"It's important we stay prepared and mentally focused for real-world situations," said Senior Airman Zachary North, a 435th CES firefighter. "This may be an exercise, but in our eyes it's the real deal."

Fire crews were evaluated and graded on their performance in the exercise.

"Performance evaluation is a big part of these exercises," said Tech. Sgt. Bronson Peters, the fire department training officer. "It's important that our fire teams receive feedback both positive and negative helping them to become expert firefighters."

More than 20 Ramstein AB firefighters arrived on scene to participate in the exercise.

Students from the First Term Airmen Center played the role of casualties. 

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