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Although it is not required in their regular duties of fighting fires, eight Blount County firefighters decided to take an extra step in protecting their community — and recently it has paid off.

The firefighters are now certified in swift-water rescue after a three-day class July 24-26. Less than a week after they returned, they put their new skills to use.

Firefighters who attended from Blount County included Jeff Mink, Chris McLemore, Jerry Phillips, Jason Stinnett, David Richards, Blaine Howell, Johnny Matlock and Chuck Lewis. Two Alcoa firefighters — Colin Hurst and Kevin Freeman — also attended. Hurst also works part-time at the Blount County Fire Department.

Blount County Fire Chief Doug McClanahan said four other firefighters went through the training four years ago, and that was the last swift-water training experience the department has received. He said they wanted to enhance their water rescue capabilities.

McClanahan noted that Blount County water recreation “has increased dramatically,” and they have seen a rise in the need of water rescues.

“We feel like the community deserves to have a 24-hour service in the event that an emergency situation occurs in the water,” McClanahan said.

The training occurred in the Ocoee River in Polk County, where firefighters described the water to be cold and rough. The training course was taught by instructors from a rescue association in North Carolina.

‘Do’s and don’ts’

Firefighter Jeff Mink said they learned many techniques for swift-water rescue training, including “how to enter the water, how to swim the water and the proper technique to get patients out of the water.”

“For the people of the community and for visitors — we can offer them one step further in what we do,” Mink said.

Firefighters Chuck Lewis said that they learned the “do’s and don’ts” of swift-water rescue, and how to safely get their patients out of the water — whether the patient is conscious, unconscious or combative.

“It was great training, well worth the time,” Mink said. “I’m grateful that Chief McClanahan let us do that, so we have more ways to help the community.”

McLemore said they trained in throwing rope bags, swimming in swift water, correct diving, patient rescue techniques, walking in swift water through team efforts, knot tying and rope techniques, among others.

Since his training in the rough waters of the Ocoee, McLemore said he feels more comfortable and confident in water rescue. McClanahan said all of their training helps promote confidence and teamwork with the firefighters. He said he hopes to get them involved in more swift-water rescue training in the future.

“I would not hesitate now,” McLemore said. “There’s no water here in East Tennessee that I wouldn’t jump in and swim across.”

Put to the test

Since returning from the class, the firefighters put the techniques to the test, and they worked. On Monday, firefighters were called to assist with a man and child stranded in the water in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Six firefighters and three Blount County Sheriff’s deputies responded as mutual aid and in conjunction with the Blount Special Operations Response Team (BSORT).

Firefighters were able to rescue both the man and child from the water with no injuries. They talked through megaphones to calm the patients as they reached them and then floated down the stream to safety.

The victims were given life jackets to wear during the rescue, and McClanahan said they “advise anybody that gets around water to wear a life jacket.”

Since the firefighters returned, McClanahan said they have also been put on standby a few times due to flooding. He said he thinks the training will be a great benefit for the community.

“This is an added service for our subscribers (for $110 a year) and the community,” McClanahan said.