Automobile Stabilization and Extrication Training

On Tuesday, June 10th, members of the Westminster Volunteer Fire Department participated in an automobile stabilization and extrication training. The roads are always busy around town and with the travel season upon us, accidents are on the rise again. Members were able to learn various ways to make the vehicle safer to work around no matter the position it’s in. They also learned safer and easier ways to remove victims from the automobile once it’s stabilized. We would like to thank Reese Volunteer Fire Department for equipment usage and Condon’s Used Auto Parts for donating the vehicle. Because of their generosity, the firefighters in the department are truly better because of it.

Firefighters Drill on Firefighter Rescue

Members of Westminster VFD participated in a training session that taught a technique to rapidly begin CPR on a firefighter if they were removed from a house fire in full gear. When seconds count to begin CPR, time shouldn’t be waisted. This technique showed how to rapidly begin CPR while the gear is being prepped and ultimately removed. This is yet another skill we hope we never need to use but will be thankful it was practiced before hand.

Ropes Training

On meeting night, members gathered before the meeting for a drill with the Hasty Rescue strap. Participants practiced applying the straps and the proper way to utilize the strap to rescue a fellow firefighter.

3-22 Rescue

Engine 31 and Ambulance 38 were dispatched for a vehicle collision in a 3-22 box. As units were responding, dispatch advised they were upgrading it to a rescue assignmet with reported 1 trapped. Units from Westminster arrived to find a vehicle well off the road on an embankment with 1 trapped. Units from Westminster and Reese worked quickly to stabilize the vehicle with “Res Q Jacks” and the winch off of Rescue Squad 9. After making sure the vehicle was stabilized, units were able to complete the extrication.

Units on Scene: Engine 31, Medic 38, Medic 99 (Reese), Duty 3, Chief 3, Captain 3, Rescue Squad 9 (Reese)

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