Drill tests emergency personnel – Mannequin rescued from Gilley Pool
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The lifeless mannequin, described as a 20-year-old white male, was spotted at the bottom of the pool by lifeguard Wesley Minton. Minton then sounded the alarm to evacuate the pool before jumping in to begin rescue procedures.
While Minton and several fellow lifeguards stabilized the mannequin’s head and neck once he was brought to the surface, other Civic Center staff called 911. The first to arrive on scene were the Public Safety Unit officers.
When the mannequin, described as unresponsive but breathing, was pulled from the water by lifeguards, EMS was on the way and lifeflight had been dispatched.
Altogether the drill took approximately 45 minutes and was just a slight glimpse of the training given to McMinnville’s Public Safety Unit and the McMinnville Civic Center lifeguards.
Every month, McMinnville Police Department undergoes training with the PSU officers. Each month, a different emergency department is picked to give the volunteer PSU officers as much training as possible in different emergency scenarios that might need their assistance.
As for the lifeguards, the spinal cord injury was a worst-case scenario. Although this type of emergency hasn’t happened, being prepared is the name of the game when it comes to safety.
‘In our in-service we perform drills like this and during our lifeguard certification we had it quite a few times,’ said Minton. ‘During lifeguard certification we use each other so it is more realistic, but this is still a good way to practice.’
Lifeguards also practice other scenarios but this incident was picked in particular.
‘This was a worst-case scenario,’ said Wellness and Aquatics manager Justin Scott. ‘A spinal cord injury is the worst. You have to be so easy and use the proper in-line stabilization for their head and neck. This person could be paralyzed from the neck down for the rest of their life or we could prevent that from happening by getting them on a back board, getting them out and getting them to a hospital so they can be treated.’
Currently, McMinnville Police Department is looking for people who might be interested in volunteering as a PSU officer. Those interested must contact the department at 473-3808.
Qualifications for PSU officers:
‘ Must be a volunteer.
‘ Must undergo and pass a background and fingerprint checks.
‘ Must have a valid Tennessee driver’s license.
‘ Must work a minimum of four hours per week for one year.
‘ Must be willing to be under the command and direction of McMinnville Police Department and sign a contract agreement.
‘ Must be willing to represent McMinnville Police Department and carry identification without possessing the powers, duties or responsibilities of certified officers.
‘ Must be willing to complete all required training sessions, meetings and be available for non-enforcement duties as delegated to the PSU by the chief of police.
‘ Must pass the initial training phase provided by the PSU coordinator.