After a few months of intense (though fun) training, the Explorers competed in 5 events: mass-casualty triage, search-and-rescue, ladder raise, CPR, and a bunker-gear relay/obstacle course.  Though the events were not exactly what the Post trained for in every case, the Explorers were able to think quickly, evaluate the scenarios, and respond accordingly – just as is done on a real emergency scene.

As first-time participants, all the events were new to the Post members, but everyone took it in stride and several event judges commended the Post on their teamwork and problem solving.  (One judge said Post 423 demonstrated the best teamwork of the day.)  As Post 423’s Explorers have never worked a medical call or assisted at a wreck scene, the mass-casualty triage and vehicular incident scenes were completely new to them; the obstacle course was totally unexpected and the tractor tire that had to be dragged was bigger than Jessie.  No matter – through surprises and even broken gear, Post 423 kept their spirits up and went with the flow.

The team adapted well and competed fairly, and in its first attempt, Post 423 brought home the trophy for 3^rd place in the ladder raise competition.  Out of 20 teams from all over the state, Post 423 fared very well.

Explorers Colby Nance (Cadet Captain), Chandler Jones (Cadet Lieutenant), Jessie Van Benthuysen, and Jeremy Denton participated and represented Harvest well.

Few of the Posts present for the event had heard of Harvest, Alabama before, but it’s safe to say they know who we are now!