Logansport Firefighter Clayton Freels used a special tool as he shattered the glass in the back window. After the side window was broken out, other firefighters began working to free the victim from a vehicle turned on its side.
Firefighter Matt Harris used the spreaders to cut off the back section of the vehicle, while Training Capt. Rob Grisez cut through the windshield and Capt. Randy Rife kicked the glass onto the ground. Also helping out was firefighter Scott Jones.
Working as efficiently and safely as possible, the men were finally able to remove the top of the car and slide the victim onto a backboard.
And all of it was just for show.
The “victim” was Mckenzie Whiteman, a Logansport High School senior who volunteered for the demonstration at the Cass County Fairgrounds on Thursday evening. The other “victim” was Kathy Rozzi.
“We try to make it as realistic as we can,” said Assistant Chief Dave Huff.
In all, six fully suited Logansport firefighters gathered around two vehicles with rescue tools to show what they are required to do in the case of an entrapment accident.
Whiteman was placed in the second vehicle during the event and had to watch the men free Rozzi first.
“I was sort of nervous,” she said. “I’ve never done this before, but I trust these guys. They know what they are doing.”
As she sat in the car, she could hear the glass falling and feel the vibrations made with the firefighter’s tools.
“I knew they were going to get me out no matter what it took,” she said.
Huff said the firefighters have conducted the demonstration for at least six years, but it is his shift’s third year at the fair.
Grisez feels the demonstration is important.
“It’s a good chance to get out and show the public the different capabilities and get our guys out in the spotlight,” he said.
Samaritan helicopter also arrived to load up the “accident victims.”
The time it takes to actually free a person from a vehicle can vary.
“It all depends,” said Grisez. “At a demo like this, the cars are sitting on nice and level ground. There isn’t a lot of space, and it’s not as stressful. You also don’t have victims waiting around.”
When a vehicle hits another vehicle or a tree, Grisez said, the damage might mean firefighters can’t make a cut where they normally would.
During an actual extrication, he said, firefighters work with the police and the medics to make the best decision possible for the victim.
With newer hydraulic tools, firefighters are required to work smarter. Grisez said with new car technology, better designs and more wiring, firefighters have to be cautious how they cut a vehicle.
Huff believes people are drawn to the demonstration for several reasons. Many want to have a close-up look at the helicopter, which many might have never seen. Some take the opportunity to look at the different tools used by the firefighters.
“They are curious,” he said.
He also feels community presence is important.
“To see it first-hand, it makes them think differently,” Huff said.
Huff said firefighters took the opportunity to talk to people about safety aspects, such as the importance of wearing a seat belt.
The exercise also helps the firefighters.
“It’s a training opportunity even though it’s a demonstration,” Grisez said. “It’s a team effort and any time we get to train, it’s a valuable experience.”
• Denise Massie is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5151 or denise.massie@pharostribune.com
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CRASH RESCUE: Logansport firefighters remove McKenzie Whiteman from the wreckage of a car during a demonstration at the Cass County Fair on Thursday. P-T photo | Angi Turnpaugh
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Showing their stuff
Fire department demonstrates rescue tools at county fair
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