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The teams of the Service territorial d'incendie et de secours continue their efforts to professionalize. This week, eight firefighters (four professionals and as many volunteers) are undergoing Level 2 coastal lifeguard training on their island, under the authority and supervision of four of their colleagues already experienced in the exercise. Not forgetting the medical support provided by the department's two nurses. During this five-day training course, they will be instructed in the roles of skipper and crew member. This will enable them to go out to sea for rescue operations.
This is the first time that Stis has organized such autonomous training," points out Lieutenant Thomas Charmillon. The last time, in November 2020, SDIS 34 instructors came to Saint-Barth from France. Now, thanks to the equipment we have at our disposal and the training we've already received, Stis is capable of organizing this type of event on its own. "
For five days, the eight professionals and volunteers are put through their paces. Sea swimming in the surf, rock climbing, exercises on the large intervention boat (9 meters), on jet skis or on the small Stis boat. An intensity that can be easily confirmed by observing the "little bobbles" displayed by some of the sappers involved. Local training also has an educational aspect," insists Lieutenant Charmillon, "as it is carried out in its own environment. Rescue at sea represents around twenty interventions per year. We were down to five people, so we needed new blood. "
Esprit de corps
To implement this new stage in the growth of its workforce, Stis is mobilizing some fifteen people. This is no mean feat at the start of the tourist season. People have made themselves available," says Lieutenant Charmillon with satisfaction. In addition to the ten firefighters on duty, others who are off duty are coming to work to enable their colleagues to train. "Solidarity and esprit de corps are essential, given that the number of interventions is already increasing in November. Accidents, first aid, etc. All this while having to work in heavy traffic. Particularly in Gustavia, when it's a question of transporting a person to hospital.
While Stis was able to count on the solidarity of its teams, it was also able to call on the support of its partners. Lieutenant Christophe Laurens, commander of the Stis, mentions the sailing school for its invaluable teaching and the Jet Ski Racing company for its technical advice and the Collectivité's training department.
