Oklahoma Firefighters Receive Search & Rescue Training In Tulsa

Firefighters from across the state are in Tulsa training to rescue people from collapsed buildings. Instructors of the class said the training is invaluable, especially in Oklahoma. 

“Nobody can plan a wreck or an accident or an event I mean we do have warning a lot of times for tornados which we deal with in Oklahoma, but how do you know you might not be in the path of it," said Greg Merrell. 

Merrell is the lead technical rescue instructor for structural collapse for OSU Fire Service Training. He said 40 firefighters from across the state are in Tulsa for the training. He said this is one of many training sessions they offer. 

“We’ll deal a rope rescue, confined space rescue, trench rescue, we also do swift water. We do structure collapse so there is various training we do but they all kind of marry up. They’re all about patient care and helping the people that we serve," said Merrell.

He said they're using jackhammers and saws to break through concrete and making sure even the search and rescue dogs are prepared for real life events. 

“Obviously living in Oklahoma tornados is a big issue we have so we do have a lot of disaster with tornados and unfortunately in 1995 we did have the bombing the Murrow bombing and we have to be prepared for that as well. Regardless of what caused the disaster the response is the same and we’re going to be digging through rubble piles," said Merrell.

He said Homeland Security is paying for this training, that also included the national guard.