'Losing those 2 members was devastating': Sask. firefighters learn how to prevent line-of-duty deaths

Over 25 firefighters made their way to Saskatoon for fire ground survival training to prepare them for the challenges they will face on the job.

Over 25 firefighters made their way to Saskatoon for fire ground survival training to prepare them for the challenges they will face on the job.

Firefighters had to make their way through an obstacle course with loose wires, a broken ceiling and small holes they had to fit through, along with other challenges.

“It can be tight at times. There are tough spots,” said Warman Fire Rescue lieutenant firefighter Bryce McGillis

In addition to working their way through the training course, some fire crews were practicing answering calls in the command portion of the training.

“Hoaning in on the things that I’m supposed to do when we do get a mayday,” said Deputy Fire Chief for the Martensville Fire Department Dean Brooman. “Making sure the things work the way they are on the ground in order to get people out safely.”

The obstacle training and learning the command portion are part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAAF) Ground Survival Training.

The four-day course teaches firefighters what to do in a life-and-death situation, led by an instructor who was in one.