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Photo courtesy of the Pike County Emergency Services.
On Friday April 27, Saturday April 28, and Sunday April 29, eleven members of Pike County Emergency Services attended an Advanced Extrication Techniques Course conducted in Macon by the GEICO College of Vehicle Rescue and RIGHT Training and Consulting based here in Meansville.
The personnel were instructed on “new car technology” and how to extricate (remove entrapped victims) from vehicles that are constructed of new age heavier metals. These metals can pose problems for rescuers with cutting and spreading the tougher metals. “Many new techniques were taught to increase our knowledge, skills and abilities in dealing with entrapped victims in these types of automobiles,” said Fire Chief Mike Grant.
The training was broken up into classroom instruction which taught by fire service industry leaders and hands-on application of the skills taught during the course. Pike County Emergency Services (PCES) personnel were instructed in basic extrication hand tools using air chisels, electric extrication equipment, saws, using high lift air bags for lifting heavy loads off of victims that have become crushed under vehicles or other heavy objects and vehicle stabilization. There was also instruction given as well as practical hands-on exercise with aircraft rescue.
“With the number of private air strips and light aircraft scattered throughout Pike County, the training that was received will be invaluable to our firefighters in the event of a small aircraft crash in our jurisdiction,” said Chief Grant.
There were also vendors from every extrication tool manufacturer at this conference and PCES personnel used all these tools extensively. “I want to thank every member of our department that took time away from their families and gave up an entire weekend to attend this course,” said Chief Grant. He noted that several of our members took a vacation day from work to attend this training.
He thanked past County Manager Bill Sawyer for approving the budgeted funds to would allow our personnel to attend this conference. “The citizens of Pike County can have a greater piece of mind in knowing that our personnel will be prepared and adequately trained if the unfortunate event of a vehicle accident arises,” said Chief Grant.