Wheeling Firefighter Trainees Learn the Art of Extrication
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WHEELING -- With vehicle extrication emergencies being one of the leading categories of response for fire and rescue personnel, it's crucial that firefighter trainees get the necessary training required to perform the job properly.
On Monday, eight probationary trainees with the Wheeling Fire Department went through a variety of exercises that deal with vehicle extrications as part of their overall training. Familiarizing themselves with emergency equipment such as the "Jaws of Life" and learning about vehicle stabilization, are just a few elements the trainees must go through when learning about about how to properly and safely get access to a patient, according to Wheeling Assistant Fire Chief Larry Murphy. He said it is important for them to learn how to properly stabilize the vehicle and extricate a patient without creating more injury to that person.
He added that the probationary firefighters are in the process of learning about proper procedure with vehicle extrication this week, along with other elements of firefighter training.
While each of the new probationary firefighters must go through this aspect of training, Murphy said it is essential for all the department's firefighters to go through additional "refresher" training sessions as they deal with the variety of different aspects of the occupation to stay proficient with procedures.
Murphy said the department is "anticipating" higher incidents of vehicle collisions and emergencies in the Wheeling area as traffic congestion and detours created from local road projects continue to grow. He said they are already beginning to see an uptick in local traffic accidents since area road projects have increased.
He also offered a few safety tips for motorists traveling in congested areas of the city.
"We are asking people to slow down. Give enough time to get to where you need to be … and leave a little earlier," Murphy said. "Try to stay away from the congested areas if possible and please put you cell phones down."