Ripping up cars builds firefighter teamwork
Metchosin firefighters Ben Josephson and Eric Meredith work with Langford colleagues Adam Kachanoski and Anton DeBree in Metchosin at the departments’ first formal vehicle extrication training exercise.
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Firefighters from Metchosin and Langford have teamed up for vehicle extrication training.
Over the two-day training exercises the firefighters manipulated vehicles with an excavator into “unique” situations resembling possible car crashes, said Scott Davidson, Langford Fire Rescue training officer.
“We are partnering with Metchosin this weekend because they have a facility that we don’t have,” Davidson said.
Langford Fire Rescue was able to use new extrication tools purchased this summer. The department received a new cutter, spreader, two rams and gasoline motor for $43,000.
“The new cutters are able to cut new steels that are coming out in new vehicles,” Davidson said. “(Vehicles now) are built for the safety of the occupant, but in turn are tough for emergency services to gain access to the patient.”
While Metchosin and Langford departments have trained together previously, this is their first formalized training in extrication.
Working together also helps build a stronger mutual-aid relationship.
“By working together in this exercise, it will help the relationship when we are working on an actual scene,” Davidson said.
Metchosin fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop said the two departments often find themselves at the same emergency calls.
“There are incidents on Sooke and Happy Valley roads that might be in Langford or Metchosin and we don’t know right away. Both departments may go and have to work together.” Dunlop said. “Exercises like this build trust and camaraderie.”
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