Saturday, June 22, 2013

Nature: Vehicle Stabilization Drill

Location: Station #1 – Oak Orchard

On Saturday, June 22nd, volunteers of the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company received training for vehicle stabilization, vehicle rescue tool familiarization, vehicle rescue extrication techniques and various other topics as the department continues to ameliorate its vehicle stabilization and extrication activities and responsibilities.

The training procedure concentrated on “getting acquainted with tools and familiarization tactics” for vehicle stabilization, vehicle access points and techniques, door pops, window glass and roof removals scenarios using junk vehicles donated by Fitzgerald Salvage & Recycling of Ellendale, Delaware.

Every firefighter in attendance received hands-on training using a variety of hand tools, cribbing, struts, and hydraulic equipment in scenarios that simulated real emergency situations and vehicles that were severely damaged.

This training is a continual effort that began several years ago as the department prepares to enhance the services it provides our fire district. This specialized training awareness allows the volunteer firefighters to subsequently train and familiarize members of the company on safe vehicle stabilization and patient extrication procedures.

Every firefighter must learn where to stabilize, what to stabilize, how to stabilize, and what not to touch because there are so many features and enhanced technology in newer vehicles, some of the information is vehicle type specific.

The training costs were minimized by Fitzgerald Salvage & Recycling allowing us to use their junk vehicles from their facility which saved the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company money on both vehicles and set-up costs.