Volunteer firefighters learn ways to deal with latest vehicle tech in an emergency

A group of volunteer firefighters recently learned new emergency extraction {extrication} techniques, honing their skills to safely cut into vehicles and save lives.

Anthony Morabito, a Jaws of Life training manager, recently taught a new-car technology class at Goodrich Auto Works, in Bath, focusing on high-strength steel, air bags, electric cars and other new technology and techniques for dealing with modern cars and trucks in an emergency.

“The opportunity to learn about the new vehicle technology and how we can recue victims from a vehicle safely and at an efficient manor is tremendous,” said Todd Hall, chief of the Coopers Plains-Long Acres Fire Department. “We have taken state classes, but this is above and beyond that. Being able to work on new vehicles in a great opportunity.”

Hall said usually firefighters use junked vehicles to practice these techniques.

Older vehicles were made entirely with mild steel, Morabito said. The newer vehicles are made with high-strength steel, which makes them tougher to cut into.

“We have about 16 miles of Interstate Highway running through Avoca,” said Avoca Fire Chief Robert Rathburn. “We have a lot of serious accidents, a lot of rollovers. So, this class is for the safety of those injured in an accident and for the firefighters. It’s positive for everybody.”

Howard Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brian Patterson said the education received at the class could be vital to firefighters responding to a vehicle accident.

Becky Goodrich, owner of Goodrich Auto Works, said eight volunteer fire departments attended the class, Avoca, Bath, Coopers Plains, Howard, Hornell, Kanona, Wallace and Thurston.

Advances in technology have made today’s vehicles much safer for passengers. but first responders often face challenges preventing further injuries to accident victims or themselves due to the complexity of the new systems.

This article originally appeared on The Leader: First responders train to extricate victims from new, stronger cars