Displaying items by tag: rescue

Auto Extrication is a complicated process.  A patient or a number of patients are trapped in a car.  The dash is smashed in and downward due to the force of the accident.  The steering wheel has been forced down onto the legs of the driver so he is trapped also.  On top of everything the vehicle is rocking about to fall down a hill.  This is auto extrication: a skill we at the fire department hope we never have to use but it is something we practice.....

On September 10 2017,  RCVFD was fortunate to participate in this very special training by Poudre Canyon Fire Protection District PCFPD.  Before we go on... thank you Poudre Canyon Fire!!!

In the parking lot of the beautiful Shambhala Mountain Center campus,  Tony Falbo from Poudre Canyon Fire taught us some of his "jaws of life" skills as well as how to quickly and efficiently work as a team to free auto-accident victim.  From stabilizing the vehicle, punching and cutting out the windows, to cutting the posts, lifting off the roof, we used a variety of hydraulically powered tools to pry the vehicle open.  Over the course of a day we went through it all and took apart 4 cars in the process.  

We appreciate Tony and the rest of the Poudre Canyon crew for putting together an excellent training.  Neighboring fire departments training together is one of the many ways we strengthen our mountain communities.  Enjoy the photos!