Metal or plastic? Orange firefighters practice rescue techniques

Before them were two cars, a regular sedan and a newer model sedan with plastic panels. Although comparable in size, each car offered a different set of challenges in using the Hurst tool, more commonly known as the Jaws of Life.

The demonstration provided information on using the newest Hurst models and attachments with hands-on experience in using the latest techniques.

People have donated cars in the past that the firefighters have ripped apart or set on fire for training purposes, but this was the first time the department has had a plastic car to work with.

At one point Chris Twigg and Kevin Hannigan from Firematic of Rocky Hill set up a tool underneath the car and below the steering wheel to demonstrate a new extrication method. Suddenly, the steering wheel popped off like a spring and struck Hannigan in the face. He was not injured except for a small cut from his safety goggles.

No one in the room had ever seen that happen before, neither during a drill nor an actual rescue. The firefighters said they were now aware that something like this could happen during a rescue, and they would keep it in mind so the same thing would not happen to an actual victim.

"They did show us some new moves and how to rip a car apart in no time flat," said Deputy Fire Marshal Jamie Vincent. "The plastic panels are a lot easier to remove than metal. We learned very quickly how to cut that car up."

Fire Captain Dave Mitel said many people think the plastic paneled cars are something mysterious, but underneath the plastic panel is a metal door. "You change the techniques a little bit, but you rip the door apart the same way," he said.

Vincent said, "We train on victim extrication four or five times a year and it's important. Getting into a car is one thing, but being able to get the victim out is something else. We all can cut a door off a car, but when it's an actual emergency...it's like opening a Christmas gift.

"You have to be careful about how you take the wrapping off because the gift inside is the most important part...you can rip the door off, but if the patient is entangled in the car you have to take your time and do things systematically," he said.

Mitel said the demonstration attracted quite a few new volunteer members. "It was a good experience for them. It went well," he said.

Vincent said the equipment demonstrated at last week's training session would help the firefighters get a patient out quickly and efficiently.

Mitel said the tools range from $5,000 to $8,700 each, but they are well worth the money considering their purpose in saving lives. "Rescue equipment needs to be 100-percent when you need it. You get 20 years of use out of [one of the tools]," Mitel said. "We use them between 10 and 15 times a year."

The fire department already has two Hurst tools and according to Mitel, the new equipment is compatible with the items the department already owns. They won't have to buy a whole new set of tools when they upgrade.

The fire department plans to purchase more life saving equipment with the money it receives from its yearly fund-raising efforts, including the Firemen's Carnival.