Photo By Lance Cpl. Ian McMahon | Pfc. Adrian J. Rosas uses cutters to remove the roof of a car during auto-extrication...... read more read more
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OKINAWA, Japan - Marines of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting know that every passing moment is critical when a vehicle occupant is trapped inside a wrecked automobile. They understand their efficiency and mastery of their tools can mean the difference between life and death.
ARFF, part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, trained for an auto-extrication scenario on a wrecked vehicle on Camp Foster Aug. 17.
“Extrication is used in any case where a person is trapped inside a vehicle,” said Sgt. Devon McIntyre, an ARFF specialist with the squadron. “We may have to remove several parts of the vehicle to free the victim.”
The tools the ARFF specialists use are the key components in tearing apart a vehicle.
“The main tool we use to open a vehicle is the Jaws of Life,” said McIntyre. “The Jaws of Life is a hydraulic spreader that is used to pry apart the metal and plastic of the vehicle.”
The Marines also use cutters, crash axes for breaking glass and a pike pole to pull away parts.
When the specialists arrive on the scene of an accident, they have only moments to determine where to start the extrication.
First, the glass farthest away from the passengers is broken. “This allows anyone who is not pinned to exit,” explained McIntyre.
Next, the rescuers will remove doors to gain more access to victims. They will also remove the roof if it interferes with the extrication.
In a worst-case scenario, in which a person is pinned under the dashboard, ARFF will use a hydraulic jack to pry the dashboard from the vehicle.
“Every accident is different,” said McIntyre. “Depending on the severity of the accident, it can take several minutes.”
Pfc. Justin D. Groom, an ARFF specialist with the squadron, believes the training is invaluable. “It can be (nerve-wracking) using the tools for the first time,” said Groom. “The training we do out there can get us (better) acquainted with our equipment.”
Adrenaline runs high for both rescuers and victims.
“If you are stuck in a vehicle, the best thing you can do is remain calm and trust the people trying to help you,” said Sgt. Joksam Graulau Santiago, an ARFF specialist with the squadron.
Traffic accidents are unpredictable, especially when drivers fail to follow posted speed limits or ignore mandated safety requirements.
“We need to do this training in order to be prepared for any situation,” said Graulau Santiago. “Any hands-on time with the tools is important.”
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2012 04:36 |
| Story ID: | 93673 |
| Location: | CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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