It’s been a busy week here at Co 1 with two “mild” vehicle extrications in the last 6 days.
It all started on Sunday morning, (1/15) just before 8am when a multicar accident pushed a damaged vehicle into the center median, trapping the injured driver.
Due to the patient’s injuries, our well-trained firefighters executed a standard “roof removal” to get the patient out as fast as possible without further injuring them.
On Saturday (1/21) just before 9pm, our firefighters were called out again to extricate the driver of a sedan that veered off Route 17 for an unknown reason before striking a tree and rolling multiple times before coming to rest upright on the driver’s side.
Vehicles in this orientation are a more complex situation because the vehicle can unexpectedly fall during rescue. Thankfully, our firefighters train for this exact scenario and were able to rapidly secure the vehicle against falling before extricating the injured driver through the vehicle’s moonroof.
Note: All pictures in this post were taken after the patient had been removed from the vehicle, the stabilizing equipment had been removed, and just prior to the vehicle being loaded onto a tow truck.
Getting injured people out of badly wrecked vehicles is a specialty of any rescue company, and we take pride in our expertise performing this type of rescue. At least once per month, our firefighters dedicate time to training on various extrication techniques and tools, so we can be ready to go when the need arises.
If you have an old car you’d like to donate to us, contact us right here and we’ll arrange it. As a 501 c(3) organization, we provide you with all the documentation you need for a tax write off. And it goes to the best possible use: keeping our skills sharp!
Here are a few recent drills:
Cub Scout Visit
Yesterday evening, Fire Rescue Company 1 had the privilege of hosting Cub Scout Troop 258 at our firehouse for a tour and demonstration. The scouts were given an overview of our apparatus and specialized rescue equipment followed by a vehicle extrication demonstration. Our firefighters showcased various techniques and tools used during these technical rescues. These educational opportunities allow us to connect with our community’s youth while providing valuable fire safety information. Co.1 would like to thank Troop 258 for their interest in the fire service and paying us a visit.
New Hurst Extrication Tools
Last week, Rescue Company 1 took delivery of our new Hurst extrication tools, also known as the Jaws of Life. After researching and developing a list of tools needed, these tools along with many others were purchased in conjunction with our new Heavy Rescue Truck, which will be delivered later this year. Company 1 would like to thank the Township Council for realizing the importance and granting the funds to make this purchase, which will provide us with the best equipment available to serve our residents. Stay tuned for future posts as more of the equipment gets delivered!
Drill Night: Extrication Basics
For drill this week, the members of Company 1 trained on basic vehicle extrication. The focus was to practice the different tactics used between our older hydraulic tools and our newer battery tools along with hand tools & cribbing that are needed at extrications were discussed. If you have a junk vehicle that you need to dispose of and are willing to donate it, please message us. Having vehicles like the one we used tonight are absolutely necessary to keep our skills sharp. Thank you to the Zampino family for donating the car we used last night.
Teaching Extrication at BCFA
Last night, Co.1 was asked to supply a crew and extrication equipment for the students (some of which are our own members) taking the Firefighter 2 class at the Bergen County Fire Academy. Rescue Engine 117 and its Hurst equipment was provided for the class to perform basic extrication techniques. We would like to thank the County Instructors for the invitation to not only supply our equipment & manpower, but to also have the opportunity to learn, and show a few tips and techniques we have picked up over the years.
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