Extraction action puts Atlantic firefighters to the test

BY NADINE ARMSTRONG

The Hants Journal

NovaNewsNow.com

The Atlantic Extrication Competition held at the West Hants Exhibition grounds during Sam Slick Days weekend wowed audiences and gave firefighters a chance to show their stuff.

But the competition put on through the Transportation Emergency Rescue Committee was about so much more than an impressive show of talent and courage. It was an opportunity for crews from around the Maritimes to learn from and challenge one other.

From sun-up to suppertime firefighters, many of whom are volunteer members, donned snowsuit quality-garments in sweltering heat to re-enact a rescue extraction. The actual extraction takes about 20 minutes and although that may seem like a long time when there's a serious accident, caution and precision make the difference when it comes to saving lives.

“It's all about safety.” said Jason Cochrane, a lieutenant with the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department. He chaired the committee with the Brooklyn and Hantsport Departments to host the event for the first time in Windsor. Those departments have participated in the event for four years.

However, there was no available host in 2006 so the three departments took it upon themselves to ensure the annual competition continued for 2007. “It's really up to whoever is willing to take it on,” Cochrane said.

Began preparations in February

The committee began to prepare for the event in February. “It's crucial to be able to accommodate that many members; if we're talking 10 teams plus judges, that's over 100 people.” Preparation also includes gearing up equipment and smashing vehicles to create a realistic accident scene. Then there's the set-up and tear-down each day.

Cochrane said there was no doubt they wanted to host the competition during the Sam Slick weekend. “It's built-in entertainment for all those attending because many participants brought their families with them. Otherwise it would’ve been 100 firefighters roaming around Windsor every night,” Cochrane laughed.

He said camaraderie does come into play. “It's nice to get together because we're all in the same boat. Most of us are doing this as volunteers.”

Working with teams from all over Atlantic Canada is part of an important learning curve, he said. “It gives us a chance to learn about who's doing what, what tools they’re using and best practices.”

He added that it was apparent who had been practicing and who not. Cochrane is the training officer for the Windsor Department and said local members definitely went through their paces in preparation for the event.

And the additional training was well worth the effort, especially for the Brooklyn team, which won first place and will go on to Nationals later this year.

Surprised and pleased with result

Captain Brett Tetanish of the Brooklyn Fire Department said they were surprised and pleased with the results and the fact they beat out perennial champions the Mississauga department. “It says a lot about our members that we did so well against such a successful team.”

The competition is divided into two sections and individual teams participate twice during each event. The first section is 'limited' meaning contestants can use only hand tools during the extraction. The second, 'unlimited', can include tools such as hydraulics and the Jaws of Life. Scores from both are combined and judged by high-ranking members from as far away as Ontario. The Brooklyn Department score highest overall for Atlantic Canada.

“It really brings an awareness to the public,” Tetanish said. And for those who can't help but stop and look at an accident scene, he said the re-enactment that day was pretty far-fetched.

“We're not often in that position, but we need to be prepared for the worst in every situation and know how to deal with it.”

He said it takes about 10 months of training to prepare for extrications such as those displayed over the weekend.

The two female members who volunteered to play victim at the scenes were Jennifer Barr of the Brooklyn Department and Jennifer Lauphine of the Summerville and District Fire Department. Cochrane said they were amazing and had one of the most difficult tasks; laying pinned under a vehicle awaiting rescue.

“It really does take a team effort,” he said. There are also those trained specifically as medics as well. Cochrane hopes the display will encourage those on the fence about volunteering to sign up. “It really does show the variety of positions available within the department,” he said.

Tetanish agreed. “It's a real boost for morale, especially for the volunteers. We're always recruiting and we hope this shows potential volunteers just how rewarding a job it is.”

“At the end of the day, we all learned something new. Everyone went away more knowledgeable and that makes it all worthwhile,” Cochrane said.

The volunteer fire departments that participated in the event include: Rawdon; Enfield; Island and Barrington Passage; Wood's Harbour; and Hammond's Plains. Also participating were the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency and the City of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services.