Probationary Firefighters, Extrication and Car Fires!
By Administrator/Firefighter Michael Randazzo
March 6, 2010
With only 2 training days left, Mohegan's latest band of Probies tackled a 2 day training for extrications and car fires. Chief Cerrato, Capt. Beyrer, and Leiutenants Tartaglia, DeChent and Gurdineer instructed and supervised the evolutions with the assistance of some of Mohegans senior Firefighters.
Probationary Firefighters watched videos and received classroom instruction on the various techniques and types of extrication. From a door pop to a "Pin Job" and from a dash roll to a roll over, they covered many of the scenarios that a Firefighter can encounter. Safety first was stressed at all times.
The Probies then went outside to go over the tools of the extrication trade. They were shown how to set up the scene and lay out the tools. The Officers and Senior Firefighters then demonstrated how all the tools function and provided the Probies with the opportunity to operate the various spreaders, cutters and rams before the Live Drill on day 2.
DAY 2...The Probies were fully charged and ready to get at cutting up the cars but a briefing in the classroom about safety and any questions had to be done first.
Once outside, Probies set up the staging area, laid out the various tools for the day and broke up into two teams. Window saws/punches and axes were used to take out windows. Probies were shown the differences between a "Combo" tool and dedicated spreaders and cutters. Roofs were taken, Doors were popped and glass was shattered. Probies got a real understanding of how quickly the extrication must be completed while finding out just how heavy and fatiguing the tools can get.
Finally Car Fires. Probationary Firefighters got their first real taste of fire during this training evolution. An attack hose, back up hose and safety hose were set up, everyone put on SCBAs practiced putting out car fires.
Mohegan VAC's best was on hand with a full crew standing by to assist with any injury. Thankfully the day went off without any problems. A good time was had by all.
