Fifteen forest firefighters from La Palma train in rescue in steep areas

The School of Health and Social Services of the Canary Islands has trained fifteen forest firefighters from the Cabildo of La Palma in techniques for immobilising injured persons and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in difficult-to-access environments.

The course, organised by Essscan in collaboration with the General Directorate of Studies, Training and Research in Public Safety, took place on the island with 20 hours of instruction spread over three in-person sessions. The practical exercises were conducted in the midlands and summits of La Palma, simulating real emergencies in steep terrain.

PAS Protocol and first aid

The participants learned the PAS Protocol (Protect, Alert, and Assist), as well as how to assess the safety of the scene and recognise cardiac arrest. They also received training on how to respond to airway obstructions in both adults and children.

The syllabus included bleeding control techniques, the use of tourniquets and haemostatic agents, as well as wound management. The firefighters practised bandaging, immobilising limbs, and moving victims under adverse conditions.

Simulations in a natural environment

The practical part of the course focused on simulated cases in the mountains, where students applied the knowledge they had acquired. According to the Ministry of Health, situations involving objects lodged in the chest and abdomen were addressed, and safety and patient stabilisation measures were practised.

Additionally, the firefighters received training on the different types of shock and how to act with a patient in that state. The initiative aims to improve the response capacity of emergency teams on the island, where volcanic terrain and slopes complicate rescue operations.

For the residents of La Palma, this training provides an extra guarantee of safety in case of accidents in hard-to-reach areas, such as trails or ravines. Forest firefighters are often the first to arrive at incidents in the mountains, and having this knowledge can make the difference between life and death.

Essscan plans to repeat this training on other islands in the archipelago, adapting the content to the geographical characteristics of each territory.