| To start off 2009 the Bedford Fire Department held an extrication drill held behind the firehouse. The Drill was led by Foreman Jerome Newman. Utilizing tools and equipment off of Rescue 44 and Engine 110, different extrication techniques and practices were performed on a donated Jeep Grand Cherokee with Rescue Randy in the driver's seat.
The generator and lighting was set up on Rescue 44, and a tarp with all of the necessary equipment was laid out before the vehicle at the start of the drill. The hydraulic spreaders and cutters were then used to spread and "pop" the doors off the frame, as would be done in the event of a "t-bone" type collision. The tools were also used to cut the posts of the Jeep for a full roof removal. Additionally, the Glasmaster saw and Sawzall were used to cut out the front windshield, as would be done to access a trapped patient.
Following the cuts, a dash roll was performed using our two hydraulic rams and a spreader-chain system to literally pull the vehicle off of the patient. The tools are powerful enough to push the frame of the car apart, and allow for access to the patient by emergency workers. After the rolls and cuts were completed, the car was removed courtesy of Flatbed Towing. |
