Members of both Dumfries-Triangle Fire & Rescue gathered for training at Station 3 Rescue on Thursday evening for extrication training. Capt. Corey Beazley, Hanover Fire & Rescue/Tappahannock-Essex VFD showed members some tricks of the trade involving flipped vehicles.
Capt. Beazley demonstrated several different techniques for righting a vehicle with ordinary tools. Lessons taught were the picket anchor method, the Munter's hitch, and different shoring techniques.
Beginning with a vehicle upside down, each member practiced lowering the vehicle back onto the tires safely by use of a winch and a human braking system via a series of ropes. After Capt. Beazley's instruction, firefighters and EMTs practiced their extrication skills using new equipment from Attack 503 which will be in-service next month.
Although some units had to respond to calls during the training evolution, everyone in attendance enjoyed the training and gained valuable knowledge from the class. Other combined training classes are being organized between these departments as well as some social visits here and there to reflect and share stories.
A special thanks goes out to Capt. Beazley, and the folks at Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department.
