MIDDLEPORT, NY — March 27th — In order to improve their abilities in the event of serious auto accidents, Middleport Fire Department personnel underwent practical car extrication training. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue equipment, sometimes referred to as "jaws of life," to practice stabilization, patient access, and removal techniques. In order to replicate conditions frequently observed at crash scenes, crews practiced a number of scenarios involving damaged vehicles.

Schimek Towing helped make the training possible by providing cars and a drill site. Firefighters can practice realistic rescue operations and enhance team coordination by working with actual cars. In order to guarantee that firefighters are prepared to safely remove trapped occupants and assist EMS during roadway emergencies, vehicle extrication training is a routine component of fire department readiness throughout New York.