MPIFCD firefighters receive extraction tool training
The responsibility of firefighters is reaches far beyond putting out fires. Often they are called upon to administer life-saving assistance and respond to automobile accidents to assist other emergency responders. One of the many duties performed by firefighters is aiding in the extrication of victims who are pinned in their cars after an accident. This week, the Matlacha/Pine Island firefighters and staff will receive a refresher course on the technique of using an extrication device.
“It is important that every firefighter on Pine Island receives cross training. Many times we are the first ones on the scene and it is important that everyone has the skills to begin life-saving techniques and knows how to operate every piece of equipment we use, including the Jaws of Life,” said Captain Tim Larrimore. “We are called on to assist in many ways whether it be to put out a fire or to offer assistance to someone needing help up the stairs into their home when they return from the hospital. We are here to help in any way we can and training in the use of the Jaws of Life is just one way we are prepared to answer that need.”
According to Capt. Larrimore, the extrication device is part of the standard equipment carried on a fire engine from each of the three Pine Island Fire Department stations. Last week firefighters Ben Mickuleit, Keith Guerin, Shawn Brant, Jimmy Hotwagner and John Busscher received training in its use during an exercise at station #1.
The Jaws of Life, an hydraulic rescue tool, is a hand-held tool that combines the power of a spreader, cutter and a ram using 10,000 pounds of pressure at the tip to cut and push metal doors and frames. Used primarily to gain entry into a vehicle from the side, after the spreader and cutter is used to remove a door, the ram can be used to push back the dashboard away from a trapped victim so that they can be safely removed by firefighters or emergency medical technicians. The MPIFCD first began using the Jaws of Life on Pine Island in 1984 and is called on to use this equipment five to six times per year resulting in the rescuing of dozens of accident victims. All of the firefighters receive training in the operation and are trained on donated vehicles about once a month. Many of the vehicles used are provided by Pine Island Towing.
“In recent years, it has become more difficult to get cars to practice on because people are taking advantage of the ability to sell their old vehicles for scrape, but Pine Island Towing has generously provided us with vehicles to use this month,” Larrimore said. “We cannot thank the owner, Timothy Young, enough for his generosity and his support of this important training.”
The owner of Pine Island Towing said he felt it was important for people to understand why the fire department responds to auto accidents.
“I have heard a lot of people complain that they thought it was a waste of time and money for firefighters to be at an accident scene. Being the owner of a towing company, I go to a lot of accidents and know first hand why they are there,” Young said. “Not only do they make sure the area is safe, they also do a lot of things that the police and emergency medical personnel don’t do, like operating the Jaws of Life. The reason I bring the cars to the island is I know how important this training is and I will continue to bring them for as long as I can. It also would be nice if people in the area were willing to donate cars because the training is something that should be done often so these guys don’t get rusty.”
The MPIFCD will continue training firefighters with the extrication devices on Wednesday, March 2, beginning at 10 a.m. at Fire Station #1 at the island center.
All Pine Island residents are welcome to observe the technique used to extricate accident victims using the Jaws of Life however, those attending are asked to park their vehicles in the county parking lot located west of station #1.