Earleigh Heights Hosts Rescue Training

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With shattered windows, jammed doors and flat tires, vehicles at Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company (EHVFC) turned the parking lot into a junkyard from May 15-18, but that was by design. The Severna Park department created the setup for a specialized heavy rescue class.

During four days of hands-on vehicle extrication training, participants learned to safely stabilize, pry, cut and lift cars, trucks, buses and construction equipment. Students worked in teams while sharing ideas and skills.

“It’s just like athletics — it’s all about practice,” said EHVFC Chief Dave Crawford. “You have to practice when you can, as often as you can, and as realistic as you can, so when it comes down to the real thing at 2:00 in the morning when a driver needs to be rescued, you will be ready. That’s really what it’s all about.”

National expert Ron Moore taught the class. An independent consultant from the University of Extrication, Moore previously served as division chief with the McKinney Fire Department in Texas and as a training chief with Prosper Fire Rescue. He resides in Plano, Texas.

“I travel around the country, west to east, north to south. Of all the places I visit in a year, I find that coming to this part of Anne Arundel County, and this station in particular, these guys are best equipped,” said Moore, who leads 14 to 20 classes per year.

The training opportunity included personnel from Annapolis, Fort Meade, Baltimore and other fire companies across Maryland. As EHVFC members explained, the training is difficult to coordinate because of a limited number of experts; complicated setup and oversight; and the necessary donation of cars, trucks and buses.

The benefits outweigh the challenges, though. Training helps crews understand the constantly evolving changes in vehicle construction.

High-strength steel, used as lightweight reinforcement for portions of some vehicles, is virtually impossible to cut. Airbags in steering wheels, dashboards, roofs and seats can explode when disturbed, presenting hazards to rescuers. Some vehicles have electrical systems that operate with thousands of volts, and some alternative-fuel vehicles have high-pressure gas storage tanks.

Fire departments learned about all this and more in May. When each class ends, Moore leaves a PowerPoint presentation for the supervising fire chief so that new recruits can learn the same methods.

Crawford wants all EHVFC members to participate, from the newest recruits to the most seasoned veterans. He said his approach is meant to foster teamwork, collaboration and problem solving; familiarize members with tools and techniques; develop skills and confidence; and provide leadership opportunities for emerging team leaders.

Fire department members gain a sense of accomplishment, moving and cutting heavy vehicles. The experience gives every person opportunity and ownership.

“At the end of the day, we want to get the person out of the vehicle, or the people out of the vehicle, with as much care and as quickly as possible,” Crawford said. “The more we sharpen our skills, the better we get.”

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