A little practice can make a big difference when lives are on the line.
Early Tuesday morning, firefighters with the Bellefontaine Fire Department took part in a vehicle extrication training exercise, sharpening the skills they use to rescue people trapped in crashed vehicles.
During the hands-on training, crews used hydraulic rescue tools and other specialized equipment to cut apart a vehicle, practicing techniques that allow them to safely and quickly reach patients after a serious crash.
Fire officials say this type of training is critical because every second counts during an emergency.
Regular practice helps firefighters work efficiently while protecting patients from further injury as they are removed from damaged vehicles.
The department thanked Stan Shafer and Shafer’s Towing for providing both the training location and the vehicle used during the exercise, giving crews the opportunity to practice in a realistic setting before they face the next real emergency.
