Lolita Harper
NORTHWEST DISTRICT -- Burbank firefighter Kevin Taylor was hunched
over in a chair, struggling for breath and complaining of chest pains.
"I can't breathe," he said. "My chest really hurts, and I don't know
what's wrong."
Less than 100 feet away, his daughter, Briana, sat against the wall
with blood streaked across her face. A tile fell from the roof and hit
her in the face, she said.
Thankfully, their injuries weren't serious. In fact, they weren't even
real. Taylor and his daughter were acting as victims during a Community
Emergency Response Team class sponsored by the Burbank Fire Department.
Their "injuries" were treated by a Community Emergency Response Team
that had been trained in basic first aid and firefighting. The class of
25 was put to the test Tuesday at the Fire Training Center, practicing
skills they learned over the past six weeks.
"You can make wise decisions if you know what you are doing in a
crisis situation," team member Aza Tapanian said. "That knowledge helps
you to not panic and still be able to help others."
The class is designed to prepare residents in the event of a major
disaster like a large earthquake, Burbank Fire Department Emergency
Coordinator Rich Baenen said.
"In the event of a major emergency, the six Burbank fire engines will
most likely be busy at hospitals or schools," Baenen said. "They're
probably not coming to the average residence."
Community members must be able to handle immediate needs until
firefighters can respond to their neighborhood, he said.
The goal is to establish teams in each station district -- a total of
six or eight teams in the city, Baenen said.
GET INVOLVED
What: Community Emergency Response Team, a six-week class in basic
emergency preparedness.
When: The next class will be offered from 7 to 10 p.m. Monday nights,
starting July 3.
Where: The Burbank Fire Department's Training Center, 1845 N. Ontario
St.
Cost: $35 per person. The fee includes hard hats, vests and a supply
backpack.
For more information, call 238-3491.
