On September 11, members travelled to Blittersdorf's Towing in Avondale to wrap up our month-long training topic of BVR (Basic Vehicle Rescue). Topics covered include removing doors and windows, utilizing air bags to stabilize a vehicle, "dash rolls", and other various techniques we as first responders use to free trapped victims from cars. Blittersdorf's was kind enough to donate four cars, and to set up two "real-life" scenarios that responders may face on any given accident scene.

The first scenario was a sedan that had rear-ended a box truck, leaving the two passengers "trapped" in the sedan. Crews split up and went to work freeing the victims using the techniques discussed in our previous trainings. The back half of the roof was removed, allowing the patients to be removed through the back of the vehicle. Working together, crews were able to free both "victims" safely and efficiently.

Scenario 2 included a different challenge, a "T-Bone" collision leaving one vehicle partially underneath the other, again with 2 "patients" trapped. This scenario forced crews to use different tactics than used in the previous scenario. Stabilization was vital for this evolution, preventing the car on top from rolling over. Crews were able to extricate both victims from this scenario in approximately 8 minutes from the time they started working.

Special thank you to Blittersdorf's Towing for allowing us to use their space and vehicles! Trainings like these, where we are able to use real cars in real scenarios are always extremely helpful in teaching, and would not be possible without support from local organizations such as Blittersdorf's.