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YFD gets hands-on training with new equipment
Several city of Yuma firefighters received some hands-on training Thursday morning on new rescue jack/stabilization equipment they will be using when reponding to serious motor vehicle accidents and other similar emergencies.
“It should be quick to set up and be safer for the responders and patients,” said Capt. Jeff Green. “With practice and familiarization, you can stabilize a vehicle in just a few minutes.”
The training, which was held at Dick's 25 Hour Towing, covered the proper set-up and techniques for using Res-Q-Jack stabilization equipment at the scene of a serious motor vehicle accident.
Green said the recently purchased equipment helps stabilize vehicles when people are trapped or pinned and need to be extricated from the vehicle.
“A car on its side on level ground is fairly stable, but on uneven terrain it would be very unstable and could roll over onto someone,” Green said. “Without a system like this, you wouldn't be able to cut the roof off a car to get to the patient.”
In addition to stabilizing a vehicle, Green said the equipment can also be used to lift vehicles that have overturned and are upside down.
During the training, performed on vehicles in Dick's back lot, firefighters set up the equipment on three different vehicles, two that were on their sides and one that was overturned and resting on its roof.
In addition to stabilizing and lifting vehicles, Green said the equipment can also be used to shore up building collapses and other tactical rescue operations. He added the equipment is designed to be versitile, and all the various pieces – bases, ends and extensions – are interchangeable, adjustable or removable.
Green said the fire department purchased the Res-Q-Jack equipment last month for just over $5,000, using money from a grant it received from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
Thursday morning's training session was to teach several firefighters how to correctly use the equipment. Those firefighters will then in turn teach others at their stations.
Although the YFD only has one Res-Q-Jack system so far, Green said the plan is to have it available on an engine truck later this year and available for use.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun or 539-6854.
