By Shannon Jimenez

“THE RESCUE“

The tone goes off and dispatch says were going

Confirming multiple calls with heavy smoke showing

We arrive on scene and set up command

Focusing on the job and the task at hand

As we stretch the initial line and the hose hits the ground

We notice two cars in the driveway with no one to be found

Immediately were focused on their whereabouts

Are they trapped inside or did everyone get out?

As we stretch a second line to cover the rear

We watch all the neighbors as they tremble in fear

We enter the structure with one thing in mind

To locate the victims that may be left behind

We search and we search until we can’t go anymore

Suddenly we locate a female victim behind a closed door

We radio out and request for additional help

Letting Command know that we located the second victim who was all by himself

As we exit the structure we see EMS standing by

Ready to administer emergency care to help the victims survive

As EMS pulls off we sit and reflect

Did we give it our all, was it our very best?

The truth of the matter becomes very clear

Do you train for these scenarios or do you even care?

Keep in mind this could happen to your family to

If the shoe were on the other foot what would you do?

Shannon Jimenez is a 20-year fire service veteran and a firefighter/EMT for the Perry (FL) Fire Department. He is a certified fire officer 1, firefighter 2, fire inspector 1, fire instructor 1, live fire instructor, and an EMT-B. He previously worked for several fire departments in the state of Florida including the Avalon Fire Department, the Escambia County Fire-Rescue, and the Niceville Fire Department.