Massachusetts FD Receives Grant for Elevator Rescue Training

The New Bedford Fire Department (NBFD) in Massachusetts was recently awarded US$68,000 in federal grant funds to boost training on rescuing people from stalled elevators, according to the City of New Bedford. The grant will allow for experts on elevator rescues to be brought in to train the firefighters. This will help the NBFD meet training standards established by the National Fire Protection Association. The NBFD responded to 33 calls for service last year for people stuck in elevators, including some having medical emergencies. “Elevator rescue situations carry significant risk to both the victims and the firefighters,” NBFD Chief Brian Medeiros said. “The NBFD strives to bring a professional, efficient and highly effective response to every type of emergency, and specialized training like this goes a long way to delivering that goal to New Bedford residents.”