Get a behind-the-scenes look at how JFRD works to keep you safe in an emergency

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department is showing you how first responders keep you safe in an emergency.

The Jax Ready Fest kicks off Saturday at the Prime Osborn Convention Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

New4JAX gave you a preview of what to expect at the free interactive event that will teach you and your family how to be safe during emergencies — and every day in between.

MORE: Home fire simulator among special interactive experiences at Jax Ready Fest

JFRD is one of just a few departments statewide that have specialized rescue units — complete with blood products allowing for transfusions and a medical ventilator.

“Instead of squeezing this bag right here, like we used to, to breathe for a patient, we can now put them on a ventilator, plug in all the settings, set how many times a minute for a patient to breathe,” JFRD Lt. Eric Courtney said during a demonstration.

Courtney also talked about the special medications crews keep on hand.

“we carry advanced medications. We have the ability to put people asleep in a medically induced coma. Once we do that, we would put them on the ventilator,” he said.

Then New4JAX learned what happens when somebody is 80 feet up, working on a skyscraper, cleaning windows and has a medical emergency.

In a demonstration scenario, a dummy victim was dangling about 40 feet in the air. The special operations team gets to the victim and lowers them down to give them proper care.

“He’s sliding down the rope right now, you see him. He’s gonna get that patient, connect him into his harness, and then lower him to safety,” Capt. Eric Prosswimmer said.

Prosswimmer explained that most calls the department receives are for propane tank leaks. He said it’s best to let those kinds of fires burn off.

“We don’t want the product to get into the air and drift someowher and find an ignition source, .. which could potentially start a bigger fire,” Prosswimmer said.

See more of the live demonstrations, exhibits and free giveaways at the event.