When an earthquake or terrorist attack causes a freeway or building to collapse, rescuing trapped victims will be a top priority. This month, as part of ongoing Department training, Seattle Firefighters are practicing structural collapse rescue. More than 1,000 Seattle Firefighters will go through the hands on rescue training.

Utilizing a specially built collapse prop, the training simulates the kinds of real life conditions firefighters will encounter in an actual disaster. During each session, 16 firefighters work together in teams to search for and rescue patients using rope rescue equipment, airbags, hydraulic  tools, saws, bars, cribbing, rescue baskets and aerial ladders. The training takes place at the City of Seattle’s Joint Training Facility.