CENTER — Center Fire Dept. volunteers attended an in-house seminar and hands on training for vehicle extrication last Saturday, hosted by L. N. Curtis rescue specialist Jason Feinstein.

According to the company’s website, L.N. Curtis and sons provides emergency responder equipment in 13 Western states and to the U.S. Government worldwide. Sales, distribution and services centers are located in Oakland and Los Angeles Calif.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Wash. and Phoenix, Arizona.

The hands-on session focused on extrication and preparation for extricating victims. Feinstein supervised volunteers in using hydraulic air bags and how to place wooden blocks used to prop up vehicles that allow the airbags to be inserted. The air bags, he said, often are used to raise heavy equipment trapping victims following agriculture related accidents.

Firefighters then practiced with the Jaws of Life, special saws designed to cut through vehicle roofs and hydraulic jacks used to pop open door posts and dashboard areas.

In a phone interview following the training session, Feinstein emphasized the importance of continuous training covering the new technology used in today’s vehicles.

“Cars are built to protect their occupants and are much stronger today,” Feinstein said. “That’s great for you but it makes it harder to get people out. It’s important to keep up with the technology.”

Feinstein said it was great that center had more than one donated vehicle to help practice their skills.

Assistant fire chief Jim Felmlee pointed out that the fire department now needs donations of wrecked or non-operational vehicles for future drills and exercises. To donate a vehicle for a possible tax deduction, call Center Fire Dept. at 754-3333.







For the complete article see the 07-22-2010 issue.

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