Bristol 51 Volunteers Learn Skills to Assist in Vehicle Emergencies

Provided by Bristol Fire Company 51:

It’s not every day firefighters are called to the scene of a vehicle accident, but Bristol Fire Company (Station 51) isn’t taking any chances. As a fire rescue station, Bristol 51 can be called at any time to safely extract someone from whatever emergency situation arises.

 This winter, five station volunteers completed Basic Vehicle Rescue training for Awareness, Operations and Technicians levels so they could know how to handle a vehicle accident where someone is trapped or injured.

 “Our volunteers use any opportunity to build their emergency-preparedness skills,” chief Herb Slack said. “This is just one way we are certifying our firefighters and EMTs to help keep the community safe.”

 “I want to be able to help in any way once I arrive on scene,” volunteer Rosie Torres said. “Learning the right protocol for motor vehicle accidents was important to me. I always give my time from my heart in any volunteer work I do, and this is no different.”

Torres, along with Keith White, Anna Greway, Aniela Skwarek and Bruce Tinko, completed the 48 hour training requirements. Each level of training builds on the previous one, so by the third level participants are handling hand and hydraulic tools first responders use to extract victims from damaged cars.

“Before class, I didn’t realize how much work went into removing someone who is stuck,” Greway said. “I want to participate in any training that I can get. In doing so, I’ll be able to help more people and save lives.”

“This is a great training to have,” White said. “It never leaves you. You’ll always know what to do when you arrive at an emergency.”

Participants were able to use the hand and hydraulic tools to cut away the car in a secure test environment in order to “save” someone who would be trapped in the vehicle if the scenario was real. Over the three levels, the five members worked together as a team to learn the best methods of vehicle rescue.

“I decided to do the training because it seemed like an interesting topic,” Skwarek said. “It gave me more information about the anatomy of a car and how to take it apart. I loved doing it and seeing all the ins-and-outs of the various techniques. I enjoyed this training so much, I hope to continue my vehicle rescue courses in the future.”

By completing Basic Vehicle Rescue training, the volunteers will be able to handle more emergency situations. Since several of them have also gone through EMT training, this experience helps them take control in any situation that arises at the scene of a vehicle emergency.

“It was a fun class to get into and I learned a lot,” Tinko said. “Additionally, it raises our awareness of how important vehicle rescue is to saving lives. By knowing how to safely remove someone from a car, we can get them the medical help they might need sooner.”

The Bristol Fire Company (Station 51) is located at 198 Wood St. in Bristol. Station 51 is always interested in community members who are interested in joining the all-volunteer department. If you are interested in joining or would like more information about the department’s services, call 215-785-1975 or visit www.bristol51.com.