NAS Corpus Christi & Naval Station Ingleside, Corpus Christi, TX - February 2008
Reprinted from What's Happening - Navy Fire & Emergency Services Newsletter, March 2008
Twenty firefighters from NAS Corpus Christi and 12 firefighters from Naval Station Ingleside participated in an intensive vehicle extrication course hosted by NASCC and taught by Jason Feinstein of L.N. Curtis & Sons, Rescue Division.
Training included morning classroom sessions that covered new automotive technology and construction that has made many of the “old ways” ineffective and even dangerous on today’s lighter and, in some cases, stronger vehicles. Also covered were hazards associated with the new “Hybrid” cars, as well as more common hazards such as airbags commonly found in most cars today.
Following the classroom portion, personnel moved out in the field to what looked like a major pileup with four cars and a van in various positions to challenge rescuers. Aside from the more common door and roof removal from cars that were still on four wheels, students utilized a new strut system that allowed stabilization of vehicles involved in rollovers and other situations where the vehicles were unstable and presented a significant hazard to rescuers and entrapped victims. Rescue scenarios included “tunneling” into the passenger compartment from the trunk and the underside of a vehicle. This latest specialized training better prepares these firefighters to “Protect Those Who Defend America” when one of our sailors, civilian employees or family members is involved in a vehicle accident on or off base.
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