The Cupertino Courier
News
Saving lives through annual training for auto accidents
By JASON GOLDMAN-HALL
How quickly an accident victim can be pulled from a crushed car can mean the difference between life or death. To improve rescue techniques, first responders from throughout Santa Clara County ripped open more than 45 cars, trucks and vans Oct. 7 and 8. The training exercise took place at Fire Station 2 on E. Argues Avenue in Sunnyvale.
Officers from around the state participated in the 10th annual automobile extraction training program. Officers coming into Sunnyvale were charged to attend to cover part of the costs of hosting the event and acquiring the vehicles.
Instructors came from around the Western United States, some from as far as Phoenix. There are two large events each year: the Sunnyvale event in the fall and a Southern California version earlier in the year.
The four dozen cars were gathered from a variety of sources, including American Automobile Association donations and private donations. Most are free, but some must be paid for using money collected from participating agencies.
Participants were able to use such equipment as the Hurst tool--commonly known as the "Jaws of Life"--as well as techniques beyond just how to cut open a car.
"As important as it is to know how to get in, and get the person out, it's very important to learn how to brace the car, so that if it's on its side or on its roof, it won't move during the rescue effort, because that could either harm the rescuers or cause further harm to the patient," said Sunnyvale communications officer John Pilger.
In addition to learning how to remove victims from vehicles, participants learned about new hazards present in modern vehicles, such as the explosive charges that power air bags and the large electrical cables that run the length of electric and hybrid cars.
"You need to know where to cut without causing more of a problem," Pilger said.
This is not the only event concerned with proper rescue techniques in Sunnyvale. Throughout the year, Sunnyvale Toyota holds information seminars for law enforcement personnel to familiarize them with the way electric cars and hybrids are laid out. Such cars are becoming more common as gas prices rise and residents look for transportation alternatives.
