Seminole County CERT was asked to provide Rehab assistance during the Joint Agency training of EMS/Fire/Rescue and Law Enforcement drill from July 11^th to July 13^th, 2003.  CERT gladly accepted.  The night before the drill, CERT volunteers loaded up most of the equipment into vehicles to prepare for the next days events.  Arriving at the Public Safety Building at 7am the following morning, the final preparations were made and we were ready to go.

Rehab arrived on scene around 8:30am and prepared to unload and set up the equipment.  We were in full view of the mock scene.  A couple of CERT members also became the victims for the drill. Dressed in helmets and life jackets, they proceeded to the scene.

The Scenario:

A very brave mother (Chris) allowed her teenage son (Travis) to drive their van on I-4.  The reckless teenager drove right off the bridge into the cold, dark and murky water below.  With mother and son swimming around the van screaming for help, the rescue workers had to devise a plan for rescue.

The Rescue:

Rescue workers called into action arrive to the scene by boat, where the hysterical mother is screaming that her daughter and other son are trapped in the vehicle.  Mother and son are safely extracted from the water and taken to an awaiting rescue unit.  Since victims were still trapped in the vehicle, and the boat was transporting mother and son, rescue workers decided the best plan of action was to repel from the bridge to the water below.  The first rescuer arrives in the water and assesses the situation.  The victims needed to be cut out of the vehicle. More rescuers along with the proper tools arrive at the van and the process begins.  Due to the slippery conditions on top of the van, the rescue seems to take a while. Finally, the roof of the van is pealed back and the lifeless victims (played by mannequins) are extracted and lifted to the bridge where a rescue awaits.

CERT Rehab:

Once all victims were rescued, it was time for Rehab to kick into action!   CERT volunteers were ready to serve lunch to the tired and hungry rescue workers.  Fried chicken and Sloppy Joes were the main course. Also being served was salad, beans, pasta salad and chips.  One by one the hungry men and women were served, all giving thanks to CERT volunteers.  

The Rehab volunteers were honored to be a part of the drill and felt lucky to be so close to the action. It was quite a site to see rescuers repel from the bridge and water rescues performed.

The continuation of drills to keep up skills needed to save lives is imperative. This courageous group of men and women make a huge difference to those in need of their help.  Whether rescuers are with the fire service, police, emergency management, or citizens helping out during emergencies they deserve a huge Thank You for all they do.

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