Training continues
The Hiller Volunteer Fire Company is hosting a 48-Hour Vehicle Rescue Training program conducted by the state Department of Health and State Fire Academy. Since Sept. 6, 32 students from Hiller, Smock, Adah, Brownsville No. 1 and West Brownsville fire companies have been updating there lifesaving skills under the direction of instructor James Bittner Jr. Students learn theory in the classroom and then move outside to apply what they learn in mock scenarios using donated cars from local junkyards.
According to Hiller Fire Chief Scott Dolan, rescuers need to be aware of new hazards at vehicle accidents presented by things such as hybrid electric-powered vehicles and airbags. Should a rescuer not identify these hazards early and address them, the rescuers themselves could be injured, Dolan said.
Upon completion of the course on Oct. 18, students will take both practical and written tests to certify them as Pennsylvania State Vehicle Rescue Technicians.
In addition to updating its training, Hiller Volunteer Fire Company is updating its equipment and training members to use a new Homatro Hydraulic rescue tool commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life.” This state-of-the-art unit was recently purchased at a cost of nearly $20,000 with funding assistance from the Hiller VFC Ladies Auxiliary and from state Rep. William DeWeese’s (D-Waynesburg) office. It will allow rescuers to cut new higher strength metals used in new vehicles. Previous tools could be damaged if faced with the stronger components used in today’s vehicles.