HAMPTON, Va. — First responders from all across Hampton Roads and beyond are taking part in extra training this week.
A search and rescue forum in Hampton is bringing together dozens of agencies. Participants got a look at demonstrations performed by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Onlookers saw different rescue techniques involving one of the Coast Guard's rescue helicopters from Elizabeth City.
Service members lowered and retrieved a rescue basket.
"We also saw the rescue swimmer jump out of the aircraft, they went right into the water to rescue a mannequin. We also saw the rescue swimmer being lowered down into the water as well," said USCG Capt. Jennifer Stockwell, who is commander of sector Virginia.
A Coast Guard small boat from Portsmouth assisted during the demonstration, while first responders on police or fire department boats watched.
"This is just a small part of the entire Search and Rescue Forum taking place right now here in Hampton that includes 160 participants from 38 different agencies all throughout the Commonwealth, including federal, state and local partners," said Capt. Stockwell.
This year marks the 18th Annual Steven Todd Dooley Search and Rescue Forum. It is taking place near the waterfront in Downtown Hampton.
"It sets the foundations for all hazards response in this port," said Bill Burket, senior director of Port of Virginia's Maritime Incident Response Team.
Here's a list of participating agencies:
Burket said, among other things, that forum participants are getting more familiar with equipment.
"They're learning that new technology, how to use those chart plotters, how to use the radar, how to plug in codes in AIS," said Burket. "Sonar's very important."
Operators also train at night and powered through some of the sour weather earlier this week.
"That's a really good opportunity for folks to learn in those conditions and to experience what their boat feels like in heavier weather," said Capt. Stockwell.
But at the end of the day, she says it's about public safety and reuniting families when emergencies happen.
"We are preparing for when we need to use these skills. It does happen. We want to be there well-trained and work together, so we can quickly save lives," said Capt. Stockwell.
And saving lives takes a team effort. Burket mentioned how the forum helps strengthen partnerships, through networking.
"We come together regionally and help support the local incident commander and, of course, Coast Guard sector Virginia," said Burket.
Friday is the last day of the forum. It's going to focus on response training for mass casualty incidents, such as active shooter situations.