Burton firefighters fielded three-two man teams at the South Carolina State Firefighter Association’s first Emergency Medical Technician competition held on June 12 in Myrtle Beach. During the association’s annual conference, Burton took home both first and second place in the inaugural event.

[caption id="attachment_17183" align="alignleft" width="225"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Burton-Fire-File-Photo_EMT-Comp_06122014.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-17183" alt="Burton Firefighter/EMT Alex Murray (background) and Firefighter/EMT Jed Huth (foreground) work through their simulation in which they had to assess, triage and treat two victims involved in a chlorine explosion. Alex and Jed took first place in the inaugural competition." src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Burton-Fire-File-Photo_EMT-Comp_06122014-225x300.jpg" width="225" height="300" /></a> Burton Firefighter/EMT Alex Murray (background) and Firefighter/EMT Jed Huth (foreground) work through their simulation in which they had to assess, triage and treat two victims involved in a chlorine explosion. Alex and Jed took first place in the inaugural competition.[/caption]

More than 30 teams from around the state applied to compete for the five available slots in the competition. Burton Firefighter/EMTs Alex Murray and Jed Huth won the competition by taking first place, and second place was awarded to Burton Firefighter/EMTs Nick D’Angelo and Ricky Rankin.

Teams were given 12 minutes to complete a scenario that simulated a chlorine explosion involving two patients. Competitors had to assess, triage and treat both patients and received points for successful decisions and correct treatments.

The Burton Fire District provides both basic and advanced life support medical services to its citizens, and Burton firefighters receive over 2,400 man hours of medical training every year. The Burton Fire District responds to over 1,600 medical emergencies annually.

“This state level competition highlights the expanding role and importance of the fire service in providing emergency medical services,” stated Assistant Fire Chief Randy Wells, who oversees the Burton Fire District’s medical programs. “Our firefighters train hard and taking both first and second place in this inaugural competition is testament to the commitment we have to our citizens and to the services we provide.”
<div></div>