SUNNYVALE HOSTS NINTH ANNUAL RESCUE TRAINING WEEKEND

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Nearly 100 firefighters and paramedics from across California received the latest training in automobile extrication techniques at Sunnyvale Fire Station 2. The two-day program was held October 8 and 9 and saw rescuers from as far as San Diego in attendance.

The special training program is staged annually by the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) and has proven to be so popular that each year class sizes reach the maximum. Attendees received state certifications for completing the program.

During the training, some 50 cars and SUVs were positioned  as first-responders would typically find them, ranging from sitting alone to draped over raised concrete barriers and even partially resting on other vehicles. Training focused on how to safely extricate the injured from these vehicles without causing injury to victim or rescuer. Specialized equipment to stabilize the cars to prevent movement during a rescue, as well as cutting and prying tools, including the Jaws of Life, were available to all the rescue teams during the training.

The California State Automobile Association donated a half-dozen SUVs to be opened up in training, and an additional four-dozen cars were purchased from a local towing company. Registration fees paid by those attending the course offset the costs incurred, including the cost of training eight DPS members, so there was no net cost to the City of Sunnyvale.