Off Limits Season 1 Episode 17 Climbing Coaster/Disaster City
- May 9, 2012
- 42 min
Off Limits season 1 episode 17 is about two locations, Climbing Coaster and Disaster City, that are both integral to training emergency responders. The show's host, Don Wildman, explores both sites and learns about the unique challenges that emergency responders face while training at these locations.
The first location is Climbing Coaster, which is a training facility for firefighters located in Denver, Colorado. Don meets with members of the Denver Fire Department to learn about the challenges of fighting fires in tall buildings. He then heads to Climbing Coaster, where he learns about the facility's unique training methods. Don is shown how the facility's six-story tower is used to simulate a variety of firefighting scenarios, from fighting blazes in high-rise buildings to rescuing people from elevator shafts.
Don also learns about the unique challenges that firefighters face when navigating a stairwell during a high-rise fire. He is shown how firefighters use a specialized piece of equipment known as a High-Rise Pack to carry the tools and equipment they need to fight fires in tall buildings. Don is also shown the dangers of fighting high-rise fires, including the risk of falling debris and the importance of staying low to the ground to avoid smoke inhalation.
The second location featured in the episode is Disaster City, which is a training facility for emergency responders located in College Station, Texas. Don meets with members of the Texas Task Force 1, a specialized team of emergency responders trained to respond to natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. He learns about the training they receive at Disaster City and how it prepares them for responding to real-life disasters.
Don is shown around Disaster City by members of the Texas Task Force 1, who explain how the facility is used to simulate a variety of disaster scenarios. Don is shown how the facility's collapsed structures are used to train responders in search and rescue techniques, and he learns about the importance of using specialized equipment such as cameras and listening devices to locate survivors trapped in rubble.
Don is also shown how responders use specialized equipment such as ropes and pulleys to conduct high-angle rescues, and how they practice responding to scenarios involving chemical spills and other hazardous materials. He meets with members of the Texas Task Force 1's K-9 unit, who explain how their dogs are trained to locate survivors in disaster zones.
Throughout the episode, Don highlights the bravery and dedication of emergency responders who risk their lives to save others. He emphasizes the importance of training and preparation in ensuring that responders are equipped to handle the most challenging scenarios. Don's visit to both Climbing Coaster and Disaster City offers a unique glimpse into the world of emergency response training and the individuals who make it their life's work.