LITTLE ROCK, AR — The engines are revved up and ready to go. Little Rock firefighters showed us one of the swift boats that will go out to make rescues.
It can wade through just about any place where there’s water.
“We’re very confident in what we’re doing. We’re trained to do this. We’ve reviewed everything,” said Capt. Phillip Durham.
Durham said they take the boats out on the water weekly just to touch up on things. Besides getting good with the boats, the other skill the team practices is keeping rescuees calm during those critical moments.
“Part of it is the confidence in your speaking and getting to them, making eye contact with them, telling them what you want from them and what you’re going to do,” Durham said.
Durham said many of their rescues could be avoided if people would avoid spectating when they see flooding. Many people misjudge the water levels and just go on through. That no only endangers their lives but also the lives of firefighters.
“If you can’t see the road, don’t drive through it. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve driven through that part of town or down that road,” Durham said.
