Rescues

Ryan's conversation had numerous points that couldn't be summarized in this short post, but here is one that was new for these ears; 380 size-up. At first, I thought WTF, we are finally getting officers to walk around a building and now we have to add another 20 degrees.

For the 3rd year in a row, the firefighters behind the Ohio Fire & EMS Expo put on a great show. Each year it has grown bigger and better. Somehow they have found a way to bring in high caliber instructors and keep the conference pass affordably priced and the expo hall free, thanks to Rescue Methods. Be sure to "Like" Ohio Fire Expo on Facebook and watch for next years announcements. It was great to meet some new brothers and meet-up with some old friends.

Train, fish, play barbies and repeat has been the order of the last few days. Here are some of the findings, pictures, and video of using a First Responder Jack with our new sleeves on a school bus.

We specifically asked some questions of the farmer/firefighters at the training about what the most likely entrapments are on the new equipment used today. Many of the entrapments are caused by moving parts, so if the farmer tries to clear a jam or fix part of the machine without shutting it down we may get the call.

Yesterday, a semi crashed into a building in Bucyrus, OH.  A friend sent the picture to the left from the scene.  Read one of the news report here.  Luckily the driver of the semi made it out before significant structural collapse occurred.  

Air chisels seem to be a love them or hate them type of tool. In our opinion they can certainly be helpful in a variety of extrication and rescue scenarios. In Part 1 of this post we will take a look at operating hazards, general operating techniques, and a homemade chisel prop to instruct students on how to use the chisel. Several videos are included for review and discussion.

When you see this post's title you may wonder, when would I need to do that. The scenario is a rare one, however, what if a school bus crash causes significant crumpling of the roof effectively trapping the driver and students that are towards the front of the bus. Here's an option for school bus roof removal involving a coordinated effort with firefighters and a heavy wrecker.

Every community has the potential for these extremely involved rescues. Brass said he remembers talking about meat grinder rescue with a couple guys on his crew while getting a meal at a Polish Deli. One of the guys said, "how the hell could someone get there hand stuck in a meat grinder?" As he was saying that, they turned around and saw a woman in her 70's pushing meat down an electric grinder with her bare hands. WARNING: SOME PICTURES ARE GRAPHIC

We have recently had the opportunity to review the First Responder Jack. Although we have more to do, a bunch of techniques with this jack have been completed. This tool is firefighter-designed and has up to a 46oo lb. of lifting and winching options.