Heavy Equipment Rigger Specialist Course

I just completed FEMA's 3 day Heavy Equipment Rigger Specialist (aka HERS) course in Ocala, Florida. It was a great course that was run really well by some of the best instructors in the U.S. The days were full, with students from many different task forces. Each squad was a mix of USAR personnel from different regions. This was a good way to work, because we all have a standard basis with our past training from each task force. My squad, had guys from L.A. County CA-TF 2, Colorado CO-TF 1, Virginia VA-TF-1, Utah UT TF 1 & Riverside, CA TF-6.

The course was an intensive one that started early with classroom lecture, participation and group projects. The instructors even kept it interesting with a little score keeping competition between the squads. Afternoons, were out on the "pile" at the Florida State Fire training center. We had several crane types, a hydro crane, a lattice boom, and even a construction loader. We spent hours figuring ways to do "picks". Weights, centers of gravities, crane capabilities, and shifting loads had to be considered before doing any lifts. We used various sling types, and spent time using cutting torches from man baskets.

The final day scenario, gave each squad "watermelon" victims to search, locate, and extract while moving large amounts of concrete, vehicles, slabs, and even a helicopter. During one portion of the day, a personnel accountability report was taken and found that one rescuer was missing...we then spent several minutes searching for our "lost" rescuer. Finally, after a bit, we found him "napping" in the back of a nearby pick-up truck! Made for a good drill and a few chuckles! Our victims were all located and rescued in a faster than anticipated time by the instructors. It appears that FEMA/USAR members were up to the job, no matter which task force they were from!

All in all, the course gave a lot of confidence to myself and others in the class while operating with heavy equipment. I know now, that if any Heavy Riggers need support during a USAR activation, our teams have more trained, competent and confident personnel ready to help out when the need arises.

My thanks to the instructors who put on a great class and challenged us to work outside of our comfort zone.