Calling All Firefighters!

[Mike]

I'm gonna finally jump into this thread. Not because I'm a firefighter, but because my son, Alex, recently completed his one-year probationary period with the Naperville, IL Fire Department and is now a full-fledged FF/PM. We're very proud of him--a former Army officer, Airborne MP, he tested #1 out of all applicants in Naperville and three or four other departments. Worked his ass off in his paramedic training and in preparation for the testing process.

 

Though I've had a few firefighter friends over the years, I never really picked up on the pace of training associated with the job. Alex had to complete all of his certifications in the first year, so perhaps it'll slow down a bit. However, he's pushing very hard to grab all the training opportunities he can.

 

Next: swift water rescue. After that, possibly the tactical response team. Usually that only happens after three years on the job, but with his military experience his boss is pushing for a waiver of the time requirement.

[TEWKS]

He sounds like a very motivated individual! I'm sure he's going to do some pretty great things!

 

Tell him congrats and good luck with his career.

 

 

Pat

 

 

[eddd]

 

No need for expensive extrication tools.

 

Link

[Marty Hill]

Congrats to your son!

[Medic Mike]

That vid clip was funny. I was visualizing my local VFD in the county I work in doing that. Made a good start to my shift tonight. Would have been funnier if they would have slipped in an electric car for them to cut.

Now that I said that, I am curious, how do you cut an electric car? I have not yet had to ask for an extrication for one, though I know it will eventually happen. Does the process of A-C posts change? Dash roll? This is for my own edification.

[Glenn Reed]

Mike,

 

In the early 2000's, I was working with a guy who was part of his local VFD. He told us that each model year they got new schematics on the hybrids (and I assume that would now include the pure electrics) to show where not to cut during an extraction. They would then hold training in their department to pass this knowledge along.

[Medic Mike]

I pick on VFD's....well just because. One of the funniest events I ever had was with a FT department what got new extrication tools and they were itching to use them....so they did on a 5mph MVC at a gas station parking lot. The only point that was "pinned" was the driver door because it got pinched at the A post. She crawled out the passenger side as they were cutting.

Anyways...thanks for the info on the hybrids/electrics. Is this info available for all responders? This is info I would like to have in hand for when this day arrives instead of googling it on the fly.