Flanders Firefighters, EMTs Practice Skills, Accept New Breathing Equipment

FLANDERS, N.J. - Aug. 25, 2015 - PRLog -- Flanders firefighters and emergency medical technicians (www.flanders-fire-rescue.org) Thursday night rescued resident Fred Detoro Sr. and a baby from a crashed car near Railroad Avenue.

When Detoro was safely removed from the car by firefighters, who carefully protected his neck and back, Detoro ripped off the protective collar and other equipment, hopped up from the stretcher and got back in the car so the first responders could do it again.

Detoro is a long-time Flanders firefighter who volunteered to be a victim in a regular drill at the firehouse, which is along Railroad Avenue. The baby in the car was a manikin in a car seat. The drill allowed firefighters and emergency medical personnel to practice their skills at removing injured victims of car accidents, a common call in town. Later, the firefighters used hydraulic tools and saws to practice cutting the car away from trapped victims.

Meanwhile, other firefighters were inside the firehouse learning to use new air packs that will allow them to work inside dangerous atmospheres, such as a smoke-filled burning home, for an extra 15 minutes and do so with additional safety features on their side.

“This is a typical Thursday night at the Flanders firehouse,” said Fire Chief Michael McDermott. “We are constantly honing our skills and we often introduce new equipment and procedures. Anything that lets us provide better service for residents and more safety for our members is a welcome addition.”

Outside, members used hydraulic tools, saws and hand tools to remove the doors, windows and even the roof of an old car donated for just this purpose.

“With cars traveling at high speeds on Route 206 and Interstate 80, motor vehicle accidents are a common call for us,” said Fire Capt. Scott Faluotico. “Often, we can simply remove the victims while protecting their head, neck and back to prevent further injury. That’s what we practiced first.

“Sometimes, however, cars and trucks are crushed in a way that won’t allow us to open doors or that trap victims inside,” he continued. “We can’t just yank victims out without hurting them, so we have to quickly and safely cut the vehicle away from the victim. That’s when we  use our extrication skills that we also sharpened tonight.”

“Injuries from car accidents can be complex,” added Melissa Widzemok, second lieutenant in the EMS Division. “Because Flanders Fire does fire, rescue and EMS, we’re able to incorporate the necessary skills into one drill and cross-train our people.”

Meanwhile, firefighters who are trained to enter burning buildings and other places that might have poisonous atmospheres are learning to use new breathing apparatus.

Fire Lt. Greg Widzemok said the 15 new air packs are state-of-the-art MSA G-1 packs. They last 15 minutes longer, are more comfortable to wear and work in and have a variety of safety features. The new packs, along with equipment to maintain them, cost about $112,000.

“Working in any air pack is hard,” said Widzemok. “The new ergonomic design of the G-1 makes them easier to work in and we can stay on the job for 45 minutes instead of only 30.”

All packs have lights and alarms to alert a firefighter that he or she is running out of air. Widzemok said the new packs also have lights on the pack to alert the firefighter’s partner. He said it was also easier to be understood when speaking while wearing the pack and mask.

“We try to have the best equipment and training for our firefighters and EMS personnel,” said Chief McDermott. “But we also constantly practice using that equipment and keeping the training fresh. That’s how we are able to best serve the residents of Mount Olive in an emergency.”

McDermott added that the town pays for most of the equipment, but the fire company, through its association, must pay for some equipment and much of the training.

“We always appreciate it when people donate to our fire company during our fund drives or keep us in mind for special donations,” he added. “This is where that money goes,” he said, his arm sweeping from firefighters cutting apart a car, past apparatus to two firefighters practicing with the new air packs. And, he added, anyone who wants to get involved with the fire company is welcome to do so.

“We can always use new members,” he said.

About Flanders Fire Company #1 and Rescue Squad

The Flanders Fire Company No. 1 and Rescue Squad provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in Flanders and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. Members receive training in fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials response, homeland security issues and emergency medical services. The fire company operates one fire engine, one tower truck, one combination rescue/engine, a brush-and-foam truck, three ambulances, a multiple-casualty unit and a mass decontamination unit. The fire company has openings for people interested in becoming firefighters or emergency medical technicians. Training is provided.

In addition, the fire company offers public education services including lectures, demonstrations, training and a trailer that safely simulates a smoke-filled home. For information about membership, donations or public education, call (973) 584-7805, click on www.flandersfire.org or visit us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/flandersfireandrescue).

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