Special report: an up close look at how firefighters use ext скачать в хорошем качестве

Special report: an up close look at how firefighters use ext

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) -- They're tools that can help save your life if you're trapped in a bad car crash. But how much do you know about these extrication tools, often referred to as the "jaws of life"? Newschannel 3's Aaron Dimick suited up to give you a firsthand account. They're there during some of the most terrifying moments of your life. "It's obviously a traumatic experience," said Jed Wild, a firefighter from the Oshtemo Township Fire Department. But trained firefighters using the latest rescue tools can help cushion the blow after a car crash. Firefighters in training from local departments convened at LKQ Auto Parts in Kalamazoo for training early one Saturday morning. "This is the first time they've had an opportunity to put their hands on the tools and go out," Wild said. LKQ donated some junked vehicles to be cut up. Firefighters use three different tools to reach a victim. They are hydraulic devices that cut and spread metal often called the "jaws of life", and one that pushes apart large pieces of the vehicle. "They've been a part of firefighting for a long time. Cars are getting safer. They're using different materials, metals; it's more difficult to cut. And so our technology on the rescue side of it, it's constantly keeping up," Wild said. Reporter Aaron Dimick suited up in firefighting gear to see how these tools operate. First, he had to make sure the pickup truck firefighters were training on was free of glass. He had to shatter several windows and saw out the windshield. Then, Aaron got his hands on the cutter. You hold the heavy device with one hand, opening and closing the blades with the other. The sharp jaws twist and turn the metal until it snaps. Aaron used the tools to cut off roof supports. "We always have them with us when we roll up to a vehicle accident. A lot of patients we can take the door off and the door off and the patients are coming out. But you always have vehicles that are 30 years old out on the streets, and they tend to crumple up a little bit more," Wild said. After learning some basics, Aaron went behind the wheel of a Ford Taurus and got a firsthand look at this kind of rescue, this time as a victim. Firefighters conducted this like a real emergency, a driver who is pinned in a crushed car. First, rescue crews make sure the victim is being taken care of while they prepare the tools. After shattering the back window, a firefighter crawls through to attend to the trapped driver and passengers. "You just don't know what's going on and you hear all this popping, ripping and tearing and metal. So we try to get someone in their all their job is to talk to the patient and keep them calm throughout the incident," Wild said. Aaron was covered with a blanket as the windows shattered. Crews then went to work, cutting the vehicle away from him. The tools cut apart the car just inches from the news reporter. A firefighter was there the entire time, holding him still. "Sometimes when you do have a spinal injury we don't want to maneuver the body," Wild said. Because he's so tall, they had to cut and push the dashboard off his legs. Then, multiple firefighters hoisted him out of the vehicle, placing him on a rescue board. From there first responders would do immediate medical care and get the victim to an ambulance. Aaron walked away unharmed, but couldn't help think about what to do if this was a real emergency. "First, don't panic, don't freak out. We have highly trained people that are coming to get you. Listen to what the rescuers are telling you. We're going to give you direction; we're going to tell you what's going on before we do anything," Wild said. "Every vehicle, every crash is different. And so it's just trying different techniques and figuring out the best one." Veteran firefighters also train on these tools to learn the latest techniques and stay sharp.