October 27, 1977

Getting the victims out

       White River Township firemen practiced extrication procedures Sunday in conjunction with the firefighter’s “First Responders” course being offered at the station. With the use of a “come along” extrication tool, firefighters learned methods for opening jammed doors and rear panels on four-door cars so that, in the words of Fire Chief Bob Wehrman, “the car is removed from the victim rather than the victim being removed from the car.” Wehrman explained that in many cases a victim can sustain further injury being removed from a car. In the left photo, Wehrman demonstrates the use of a “can opener” which actually peels away the car metal. Firemen learned that talking to the victim is throughout the procedure is important both to keep informed of his injuries and to keep calm throughout the extrication procedure.  (Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal)
 

          
(Click on a thumbnail to enlarge photo)
 
 

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