Red Cross training

Local American Red Cross Disaster Team members got a chance to spend some “non-stressful” time with the Van Wert Fire Department. Disaster Team Director Mark Klausing and Van Wert Fire Chief Jim Steele both thought it would be helpful if Red Cross volunteers could experience what firefighters do during a fire. A scenario was created of a person trapped in a burning home and Disaster Team members had to suit up and rescue the person. “Our Disaster Team now knows what the firefighters undergo in a burning home and how important it is to cool down and hydrate them when they come out,” Klausing said. The Disaster Team is now creating a scenario to let firefighters know what the Red Cross does on scene to assist victims. Red Cross Disaster Team members include Klausing, Greg Roberts, Rodney Knauss, Lori Kreischer, Amy Schroeder, Beth Marchek, Daron Showalter, and Alexander Stump. (photo submitted)