A total of 60 bombeiros attended the Rescue Experience held in Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro in March of 2013. Our Brazilian dealer Multstock organized these two events and the training was given by Oscar Campillo (Holmatro USA) and Ian Dunbar (Holmatro Rescue Consultant).
The first day was predominantly theory with New Car Technology presentations, including information on the latest construction, safety features, cutting techniques and alternatively fuelled vehicles. Day two was all hands on, concentrating on the importance of the Team Approach to road traffic collisions. This method focusses on rescuer safety and the casualty.
The two days in Belo Horizonte were a great success, with the enthusiastic bombeiros getting their hands on our tools and making light work of the cars, despite it being 35° C. They were especially impressed with the new Greenline SPU 16 BC battery pump.
In Rio de Janeiro the focus shifted to Urban Search and Rescue. This time we delivered presentations on rescue tools in major emergencies, highlighting the need to be prepared for natural and man made disasters.
The hands on allowed the bombeiros to use the extensive range of Holmatro products designed for such work. This included the Power Wedge, Concrete Crusher, lifting bags and lots of PowerShore.
Again the event was a success, and again the temperature was well into the 30s! The enthusiasm from the bombeiros was contagious and they are very professional rescuers, with a thirst for more knowledge. All in all this Rescue Experience was a complete success.