The Hornell Fire Department has added new simulation equipment designed to make emergency medical training more realistic while allowing more classes to be completed locally.
The city announced the department received a $20,000 grant from the Bethesda Foundation that was used to purchase two training mannequins — one adult and one infant — along with simulation monitoring equipment.
Fire Chief Frank Brzozowski said the mannequins can simulate responses to medical interventions while monitoring equipment provides firefighters with real-time feedback during training exercises.
“This grant allowed us to purchase two mannequins, including both an adult and a baby mannequin, which allows our department to improve our life-saving training,” Brzozowski said.
He said the upgraded equipment should also reduce costs by allowing the department and other groups it trains to complete more coursework in Hornell rather than traveling elsewhere.
The Hornell Fire Department is a certified training site with 12 instructors and hosts more than 500 classes during the year, according to the city.
Brzozowski credited firefighter Kelsey Brzozowski with helping secure the grant, saying she spent about six months working through the application process.
Mayor John Buckley said the new equipment will strengthen the department’s training capabilities and could translate into better performance during emergency calls.
“Improved training experiences yield better results,” Buckley said.
The equipment is now in service.
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