On May 17, 2010, West Whiteland Fire Company (Station 6) and Uwchlan Ambulance Corps (Station 87) participated in a joint rescue training exercise. The operation simulated a serious vehicle accident with entrapment and significant injuries to the two occupants. To make the operation more difficult the car was rolled into a wooded area and PVC piping was rigged to simulate an impaled victim. While EMS crews tended to the victims, Fire/Rescue personnel not only removed obstructive parts of the car, they also successfully cut the driver free of the impaling objects so he could be removed from the vehicle without additional injuries. Several members of Station 87's explorer post also participated in the roles of victims, Fire Rescue and EMS.
In addition to the technical challenges of extricating the victims from the vehicle, the drill highlighted the importance of clear communications up and down the chain of command.
Station 87 sincerely thanks Station 6 for the invitation to participate in this drill. This is the latest in a series of joint exercises between our stations; all of which have been great learning and team building exercises.
