Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (May 29/98) - Members of the Fort Simpson Volunteer Fire Department were hard at work in the village last week.

And, there wasn't a fire in sight.

Instead, 12 members of the crew took part in an intense five-day St. John Ambulance Advanced Level I first-aid course that will benefit all local residents in the years ahead.

The course was led by Yellowknife expert Jeff Steinwand, from Fyretech.

And, the teacher says he was impressed with what he saw here.

"The class I've had here this week did extremely well," he said. "They were one of the better classes I've taught... Everyone was keen and eager."

Firefighters studied advanced airway techniques -- critical at an accident scene, traction, splinting, spinal immobilization techniques and patient assessment.

"We also did a lot of discussions on ambulance procedures," Steinwand said.

Fort Simpson fire chief Pat Rowe also said he was impressed by the work of his firefighters.

"I felt the guys did very well and I felt confident they could handle all situations as they arose," he said.

The course is part of ongoing training by the department.

"The goal is to enhance pre-hospital care in Fort Simpson and area," Rowe said.

"This goes hand in hand with last winter's course on vehicle extraction."

The firefighters who successfully completed the most recent course were: Pat Rowe, deputy fire chief Gerry Wright, fire captain Roger Pilling and firefighters Mark Gerlock, Steve Catto, Brian Jaffray, Troy Bradbury, Carl Lafferty, Kirby Groat, Darrel Sloat, Guy Norwegian and Sandy Kidd.