Road crash training for MFS crew

SKILLS UPDATE: Road crash rescue instructor Gideon Douglas yesterday visited the Mount Gambier Metropolitan Fire Service crew to teach a one day course on safe work practices in road crash recoveries.
SKILLS UPDATE: Road crash rescue instructor Gideon Douglas yesterday visited the Mount Gambier Metropolitan Fire Service crew to teach a one day course on safe work practices in road crash recoveries.

MEMBERS of the Mount Gambier Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) crew updated their skills in road crash rescue yesterday with a visit from Adelaide-based training instructors.

Undertaking the one day course – which is offered every three years to MFS crews across the state – they learnt about the safe work practices in removing those injured from cars.

Road crash rescue instructor Gideon Douglas said the training minimises the chances of confusion when crew members arrive at a scene.

“We have been through a number of different scenarios, such as a person trapped underneath a car and a person that is hanging upside down in a car that is rolled over,” he said.

“It is important for everyone in the team to know how best to remove the person from that situation to ensure no further injuries occur.”

Also looking at real life case studies, Mr Douglas said even though the road toll is down, with higher speed limits in regional areas, the chance of people becoming trapped in vehicles is more common.

“Modern vehicles are structured quite differently, so it is important for MFS crews to update their knowledge on how to safely remove someone from that situation,” he said.

“We have also spent some time with the local paramedic team so they are aware of what to do too.”