Dec. 23/99
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Oso and District Fire Department Extrication TrainingPhotos and text by David Brison
Volunteer
fire departments in the Land O'Lakes devote countless hours to
preparing themselves for emergencies so that they can respond quickly
and effectively when called upon. I recently
attended an Oso fire department evening extrication training session
held near the Sharbot Lake home of Jim McKinnon, owner and operator of
Central Frontenac Towing. Jim sets up wrecked cars to simulate
accidents so that the volunteer firemen can practice extrication
procedures. Jim is not himself able to be a member of the fire
department because he is often called on to tow cars when there is an
accident or a fire. However, he can contribute to the work of the
department through the use of his facilities and time in setting up
training scenarios.
The evening's session was conducted by Brian Kirkham, Coordinator 
of training for the department and one of the Captains of the Emergency
Extrication unit. There were 20 people present. The purpose of the
session was to give newer members of the department some hands on
experience using the extrication equipment and to show how the
equipment might be used at the scene of an accident. Jim had set up two
cars so that one was partially resting on the hood of the other. The
top of the lower car was crushed so that the door couldn't be opened
and the dashboard was resting of the legs of the imagined driver. The
department's emergency van was set up and emergency lighting powered by
the van's generator flooded the otherwise dark area. The men were all
in full fire fighting dress, with visors and safety hats, giving them
an eerie spaceman like look.
Brian led the men through a discussion of the situation. In an
unhurried manner, he asked questions about what they thought should be
done, pointed out what should be looked for, and helped them to
formulate plans on how they might proceed to extract the imagined
driver. Brian explained that in an actual accident, one person would
remain with the victim until the work was done. The trainees then all
had a chance to use the extrication equipment. The "Jaws of Life",
a plier like piece of equipment approximately 2.5 feet long and 6-8
inches wide (I expected to see something considerably bigger) are
primarily used to spread open pieces of the damaged car. The jaws can
apply 12,000 lbs. of pressure. A hydraulic lift was used to lift the
dashboard off the victim's legs. Hydraulic cutters were used to cut
open the door and a hydraulic chisel to cut through the roof of the car.
Bob Young, also a Captain of the emergency unit, explained that they
have other extrication training sessions where the unit responds as it
actually would at the scene of an accident - sizing up the situation
and acting as quickly as possible. They typically have around three
summer sessions at Jim's and they are usually devoted to practicing
procedures under actual accident conditions. In an accident, Brian as
Captain would be in command of the extrication unit working on the car.
Mel Conboy, the Fire Chief (or his designate), would be in charge of
all other aspects of the scene such as directing traffic, calling in
additional help, and keeping spectators away from the scene.
I interviewed Bob Young and Brian Kirkham at the fire station in
Sharbot Lake. Brian has been a member of the fire department for 20
years and Bob for 29 years. The rescue unit is about 15 years old.
Brian and Bob attended a weeklong training session in Kingston when the
unit was started. They both say that the training was invaluable. The
Emergency Van is new - purchased two years ago. Bob and Brian credit
Mel Conboy with being the force behind raising the money and purchase
of the van. The unit responds to accident calls in all of Central
Frontenac and sometimes to the areas of South and North Frontenac. The
men are obviously dedicated to their work and have saved lives in some
gruesome highway accidents. Unfortunately, drivers and their passengers
don't always survive. The men have many vivid memories of accidents.
The NewsWeb will in future issues discuss the valuable work done by all
of the fire departments in the Land O'Lakes region. The residents in
the area are indebted to them for their dedication and competence.
