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?

The car being dismantled was a medium-sized sedan. The crews discussed how various types and sizes of vehicles might require different approaches and tools.

Chief Kinn notes, "Extrication is rarely needed, but unfortunately it does happen at times. I would say on average, 2-3 times a year, extrication is necessary. It may be a simple door removal or something more involved, such as a roof removal or whatever the situation dictates." Chief Babcock adds, "The importance of training is elevated because of the number of times it’s done. The risk is elevated to do it right."