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 Firefighters
from the Glynn County Fire Department, career and volunteer
divisions, participated in series of extrication evolutions
providing the firefighters with an academic understanding of the
principles, theories, and practices utilized during extrication
procedures. In
addition to the academic aspects of the operation, the
firefighters also were required to demonstrate various practical
techniques utilized during extrication.
During
the evolutions, as well as actual emergencies, safety, of the
patients and that of the emergency personnel, is of utmost
importance. During
all training exercises safety of all of the participants is
emphasized. All
personnel in attendance are required to wear their personal
protective equipment during and while observing the evolutions.
Not only does this provide a preferred training
environment, but emphasizes the proper procedures that will
ultimately result with better preparedness during an actual
emergency.
These
training evolutions provide participants with the opportunity to
practice operating the various tools utilized during
extrication. The
participants demonstrated the proper use of many of the tools
used during extrication. In
addition to the proper use of the tools the participants
practiced some of the proper techniques of extrication as well
as being familiarized with some of the various conditions
necessary for each technique.
Trained
and experienced personnel utilize the Jaws of Life, the Hurst
tool and many every day hand tools during extrication.
Each tool and technique has it’s own unique feature
that makes it a preferred tool or technique under particular
circumstances.
In
addition to the actual process of extrication, personnel
reviewed the procedures of evaluating the accident scene prior
to approaching the incident for safety.
As with any rescue the first and most important step is
“scene safety”. Scene
safety at an accident scene can mean any number of things, from
downed power lines to flammable and/or toxic liquids to unstable
vehicles. All
aspects of safety were reviewed and practiced.
Personnel preformed a visual survey of the “scene”.
While medical personnel attended to the patient, cribbing
was positioned and secured to stabilize the vehicles during the
extrication.
The
Glynn County Fire Department’s personnel respond to motor
vehicle accidents throughout Glynn County, and upon request,
adjacent counties. It
is at these accidents that the extrication skills of the
emergency personnel may become necessary.
These incidents result in the need for all fire
department personnel, both career and volunteer, to be familiar
and proficient with the equipment and techniques utilized during
such emergencies. The
emergency personnel’s knowledge of the tools, there
operational characteristics, and the techniques utilized, can
save precious minutes when time is most critical.
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