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Sistersville VFD Holds Training Exercise

By Randy Rutherford - Staff Writer | Apr 19, 2022

VFD Use Jaws of Life to Rescue Passenger

Today’s vehicles can present many obstacles to firefighters and EMS responders. When emergency personnel attempt to execute extrication on an accident scene, responders must be aware of air bags, electrical components, seat belts, stabilization and scene safety. When the same vehicle involved in the accident catches fire, they must take into consideration the fuel, oils and other fluids, combustible metals and toxic byproducts from burning plastics, as well as any items inside the vehicle. These hazards at the crash scene represent additional risks to the victims and rescuers.

It is vital that the injured occupants are assessed, stabilized and extracted as quickly and safely as possible, without aggravating injuries. Firefighters and EMS personnel also need to avoid being injured while tending to victims. All the listed concerns above point to the importance of training. Members of Sistersville Fire and Rescue recently held a training exercise to hone their skills on vehicle extrication. Involved in the training scenario were two vehicles, a wrecked semi-tractor and a passenger vehicle. Firefighters utilized the “Jaws of Life”, the hydraulic rescue tool used most often when rescuing accident victims where extrication is needed. “The training we did today allows our members to keep fresh in their minds the challenges we could face on any given call or accident scene,” explained Sistersville Fire Chief Jason Wayne. Sistersville Fire and Rescue would like to thank Jackson’s Towing for providing a vehicle and P.J. Wells for suppling the semi for the training exercise.