For Immediate Release

Friday, May 31, 2019

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Acton Firefighters Undergo Motor Vehicle Extrication Training

ACTON — Chief Robert Hart is pleased to announce that members of the Acton Fire Department underwent motor vehicle extrication training yesterday.

The training was held Thursday, May 30, at Acton Fire Station 1, 7 Concord Road.

Firefighters were able to get themselves familiarized with the department’s new battery-operated hydraulic extrication equipment and gain valuable hands-on experience using the tools.

The event was part of the department’s year-round training program that covers various topics. Acton firefighters train with the extrication equipment about twice per year.

“We want to ensure that our firefighters are staying sharp on their extrication skills, because every second counts when you’re trying to get a victim that is stuck in a vehicle free so that they can get the medical care that they need,” Chief Hart said. “Not only did they go over and practice how to operate the machinery, they also discussed how vehicles are put together to better understand how to cut a vehicle apart to help remove trapped victims.”

Each year, the department responds to approximately a half dozen incidents, mostly motor vehicle crashes, where the extrication tools are used.

The training was hosted and led by Fire Tech and Safety Instructor Craig Robichaud.

The training was attended by:

• Captain Robert Smith
• Lt. Jim Byrne
• Firefighter Clem Tyler
• Firefighter Jim Ruggiero
• Firefighter David Sukerman
• Firefighter Shaun Shattuck
• Firefighter David Gershen
• Firefighter Jason Nichols
• Firefighter Matt Seely
• Firefighter Wade Messamore

###