Rescue Squad receives advanced training in extrication

Sparta-White County Rescue Squad hosted an Advanced Extrication Class earlier this month, with instructors from agencies across the state teaching the 18 attendees.

On March 6 and March 7, instructors from Morristown Rescue, Greenville Rescue, and Cumberland County Fire, Benton County Rescue, and Bedford County fire departments made the trek to Sparta to teach volunteers how to properly use extrication tools and teach advanced methods for extricating trapped victims.

Fifteen members of Sparta-White County Rescue Squad were joined by two members of  BonDeCroft Volunteer Fire Department and one member of Putnam County Rescue Squad.

According to Charlie Tollison, assistant chief with Sparta-White County Rescue Squad and TARS Region 3 vice-president, the instructors taught and reviewed many extrication techniques the volunteers will be able to use when assisting at scenes of crashes.

“The ‘Crack an Egg’ techniques was shown, which is when a car is upside down in a ditch, with limited access to the doors,” Tollison explained.

He said other techniques were taught, including how to open the entire side of a vehicle as one large door and ways to stabilize objects that may fall onto a vehicle during a crash, such as a tree or a pole.

“Your continued support of the Sparta-White County Rescued Squad over the years is how we are able to conduct classes of this type,” Tollison said, thanking the community for their continued support of the department and its volunteers. “We hope to never use the new skills the students learn, so please drive safely and have a great upcoming summer.”