On Sunday, November 23rd, members of the Ridge VFD, Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad (SDVFDRS), and NDWFD Webster Field Company 14 gathered for a large scale school bus extrication drill. Following the briefing and scenario set up by Assistant Chief Bradley Cooper, representatives from Fire & Safety Equipment Company provided a presentation and demonstration of their line of TNT Rescue Systems Storm Surge extrication tools and Res-Q-Jack Super X stabilization and lifting struts.

The drill tackled two challenging scenarios using a full spread of rescue tools and teamwork:

Rear-End Bus Collision — Teams employed struts and chains, cribbing, and airbags to lift the bus off the trapped SUV. Ratchet straps were used to compress the vehicle's suspension to allow for additional clearance room. Once the bus was lifted, the vehicle was pulled out using a griphoist. From there, crews used spreaders, cutters, saws, and rams for door/roof removal and dash rolling. Inside the bus, crews used hand tools for front-entry access. Crews also took advantage of the upright bus to practice cutting additional entry points along the side.

Bus Rollover — Crews stabilized the bus, then used various cutters, spreaders, and saws to create multiple safe access points. Windows and doors were removed for rapid entry. The griphoist was used to peel back the roof of the bus for greater access. A confined space cutting tool was used to cut away seat posts, support bars, and gas/brake pedals.

Strong communication, solid stabilization, and smart access points make all the difference.

We'd like to thank SDVFDRS and Co14 for joining us. We'd also like to thank Fire & Safety Equipment Company from coming from Virginia to participate and for allowing us to use their equipment. Special thanks goes to Kevin and Josh from Kessler Body and Equipment for providing the buses and SUV, the drill location, and helping set up this drill.