By Paula Pyzik Scott

The Bluffton Fire and EMS departments recently took a test drive with the equipment commonly known as the "jaws of life" at OEM Auto Recyclers. With a joint interest in speed and safety, volunteer firefighters peeled away components of the vehicle that would help them extricate a hypothetical passenger.

Fire Chief Jon Kinn and EMS Chief Noah Babcock noted variables to be considered. What is the status of the patient? Is smoke present? Could the airbags unexpectedly deploy? Can seats be moved before the battery is disengaged?