Equipment, training upgrades aid in prompt patient removal

Imagine traveling in a vehicle and are suddenly involved in a head-on collision. One is disoriented and scared, and are trapped in the vehicle.

On Nov. 8 this scary scenario did occur on Route 17 in Hope. Emergency units were dispatched to the scene. One of the responding agencies was the Camden First Aid Association Access Team.

The CFAA Access Team is a group of volunteers whose mission at the scene is to “open up” a vehicle, or vehicles, providing EMS personnel space to work and remove injured persons. They use hydraulic tools (Jaws of Life), electric tools, hand tools, and air bags to perform this task.

A recent upgrade to the Jaws tools, as well as members commitment to training and education, permitted a quick patient removal from one of the vehicles at the Route 17 accident.

The equipment upgrade included: mounting a hydraulic pump in a cabinet readily accessible from outside the truck, three reels mounted in the rear of the vehicle connected to the hydraulic pump (three different colored hoses), hydraulic tools mounted near the reels providing quick connection and deployment (grab-and-go capabilities), quick connection couplings on the hydraulic hoses and tools which provide prompt initial setup as well as swapping tools. There is also a portable hydraulic pump and 30-foot lengths of hydraulic hose set up to be portable. A generator provides power for on-scene lighting and two reciprocating saws.

Training commitments included an all-day academy where members were educated on safety, response, scene control, cooperation with other agencies, and concluded with an afternoon of learning and practicing prying and cutting techniques using donated vehicles. Monthly drill sessions included “opening” vehicles, equipment familiarization, driver training, and locked vehicle entry.

Standard Operating Procedures and Policies are being reviewed and updated, and will be distributed to team members providing guidance, and ensuring consistent delivery of extrication operations.

Member commitment to training, education, team work, and use of the upgraded tools has resulted in efficient operations on scene.

The CFAA Access Team asks drivers to be careful as they travel, and assure drivers they will be there should the need arise.