Mike Maune - Intern Writer

“Go... go... go... go... go... stop!” the EMT/P cheered as she gave Versailles firefighters their annual pulmonary test on July 12. Each of the 15 firefighters had to breathe quickly into a device and then keep breathing until Stacy Melling said to stop. The pulmonary function test determines whether the firefighters are able to wear the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) which protects them from smoke inhalation and helps them breathe in a burning building. Dr. William Lovett of Margaret Mary Community Hospital, works with Public Safety Health and Wellness to administer the medical exams in the fire station at Versailles.

Firefighters are required to fulfill National Fire Protection Association standards. The pulmonary function test is only part of the NFPA standard. The medical exam also involves a vision screen, urine test, hearing test, and a check-up on the firefighter’s vital signs and inspection of head, neck, and chest.

In addition to NFPA standards, the Versailles firefighters also follow the new state mandate to test for physical fitness to drive the truck. “We’ve got some guys who are afraid of heights or are claustrophobic. But that guy can drive. He can haul water,” firefighter Chuck Gunter said.
The annual exam was financed this year by the Ripley County Community Foundation. The fire department expressed gratitude for the help from the foundation.

The department hopes to move up next year to a more thorough examination that would determine whether active-duty firefighters are physically fit to handle the stress of their job. “Wearing all the equipment increases the firefighter’s work load by a minimum of 25%—just standing still!” Lovett said, “What we’re doing is bare bones minimum. Every year there are preventable deaths among firefighters. It’s important [to exam them thoroughly] because we ask heroic people to do heroic things.” Public Safety Health and Wellness saved five firefighters’ lives through the physical fitness examination, including one from Batesville. The Versailles department was unable to do the physical fitness test due to cost reasons.

The minimum age for firefighter cadets is 13 years old. Active-duty members must be at least 18 years old. Firefighters must complete the 60-hour State program and 6-8 month courses Fire 1 and 2 to train for the job. The Versailles fire department services all of Johnson Township

 

MIKE MAUNE PHOTO EMT/P Stacy Melling administers a breathing test to Versailles firefighter Steve Franklin.