Firefighters train with new extrication equipment
Firefighters with Gardendale Fire Department spent Monday training on their new, state-of-the-art, battery operated rescue tools.
The tools, which use lithium batteries, will allow first responders to cut apart a car and rescue a trapped passenger quickly and quieter than before, because they don’t require hoses or a generator for operation.
The quieter operation helps keep scenes more manageable and improves communication.
The extrication cutter and spreader will also be able to cut through new vehicles armed with “hard car” technology that is designed to make vehicles safer for drivers during a collision.
“Our old equipment just wouldn’t be able to get through it,” Lt. Alan Durham said.
Durham said he was thankful that city leaders saw the need to take action before it became an issue.
He also thanked Campbell’s Towing of Hayden and Hurst Towing for helping the department get and transport vehicles to use for training.
In addition, Durham said the equipment requires less upkeep because of the lack of hoses, generator and hydraulic equipment.