This past weekend, Company 59 members attended and completed a Vehicle Rescue Awareness Course. This was the first in a series of courses being sponsored by the department so that newer members can acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to motor vehicle accidents. It was also a good opportunity for more experienced members to refresh on the ever changing subject and practice their skills.

The course covered basic knowledge such as tools used in vehicle extrication, vehicle anatomy, vehicle propulsion systems, and hazards associated with vehicle accidents. On the final day, the class traveled to Cocker's Towing in Elizabethtown to put their knowledge into practice. Personnel demonstrated vehicle stabilization on an accident scene using various tools such as cribbing, chains, and the Paratech rescue struts carried on Rescue 59.

Vehicle stabilization is the first step in safely rescuing a patient that may be entrapped inside. Members will now move forward to the Vehicle Rescue Operations Level course where they will learn various techniques used to extricate a patient from a vehicle.

FDLS would like to that thank HACC Instructor Greg Pijar for teaching the class and Cocker’s Towing for their continued support and allowing us to use their facility for the practical portion of the class.