A firefighter is a rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life and property.
If you’ve ever been driving along and seen the scene of a car accident, you’ve probably noticed that there are often firefighters on the scene. If you’re wondering why they are there, you’re in good company and it’s because they can add valuable assistance to save lives.
Firefighters respond to vehicle accidents because they are the best equipped and trained to handle these calls. They are able to use special tools to free accident victims who are trapped and they are trained as EMTs to treat injuries in emergency situations.
Fire Chief Ken Nordal of the Kipling Volunteer Firefighters gives his comments on some of the calls the local fire department receives.
Over the years, the local fire department hasn’t necessarily attended accidents due to drinking and driving during any particular time of year.
“We receive calls throughout the summer and fall, some due to hitting wildlife,” explains Nordal. “We’ve had a few from drinking and driving.”
“Typically it’s after Christmas we’ve attended accident scenes … last year it was in January and February.”
“In my experience, probably not during the Christmas season do we attend any more accidents than otherwise."
Nordal explains that the firefighters did not have to use the Jaws of Life in those accidents they attended because they were able to get the people out of the vehicles without cutting them out.
“Unfortunately when there is an accident and when there’s alcohol involved, quite often it’s with another vehicle.”
Other equipment is often used at accident scenes.
“We use the hooligan bar which is something like a wrecking bar or crowbars or sawzalls,” explains Nordal. “There’s a variety of tools that we use.”
“We do use the Jaws quite regularly depending on whether the people are trapped in the vehicle or not. Whether we can open the doors or have to pry the doors open is when we’ll use the Jaws of Life. We do have two sets of Jaws that we use. We have hydraulic power ones and some cordless ones.”
Kipling Fire Department was always involved in the school’s mock accidents every couple of years, which were presented to the Grade 10-12 students.
Nordal feels that these messages definitely sunk in with the teenagers.
“I’ve talked with some of the kids that have gone through those mock accidents and afterwards they say they never realized how much devastation there is and how much work there is to get people out of a vehicle. It plays in the back of their mind. I feel that has been very beneficial to the young people. I don’t think it’s the young people that are out drinking and driving anymore.”
“I know some of those kids that were involved in the mock accidents going back to when the school first started doing them and they still talk about those,” says Nordal. “It does definitely stick in their mind.”
“One thing that really has an effect on accidents is speed and loose gravel on the roads. People seem to drive way too fast at night,” comments Nordal on his observation.
Because the firefighters in Kipling have seen their fair share of accidents over the years, some due to drinking and driving, Nordal gives his advice to drivers.
“If you want to have a drink or two, phone a friend for a ride. Get someone to come and pick you up. Life’s too short to risk your life to drive when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
“Before you head out to the party, figure out who’s driving home. Respect that person’s decision not to have a drink. They’re the person that’s going to make sure you get home safe.”
Nordal goes on to comment:
“If you end up spending the rest of your life in a wheelchair or otherwise because of a bad decision, it can also be devastating on the entire family.”
