|
|
|
Deploying air bags, breaking windshields and using the “Jaws of Life” — These were just a few of the rescue scenarios practiced Thursday morning by 30 OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Emergency Department students under the guidance of East Peoria
firefighters.
For nearly three hours at the Festival of Lights Building these students learned what it takes to extract victims from inside vehicles.
“We’re having a lot of fun. We’re getting a lot of perspective on what happens to patients before they come to the ER,” said Jeff Beers, 29, of Austin, Texas. “It’s always good to have a good relationship with the paramedics and firefighters.”
Fire Lt. Brett Brown demonstrated the proper way of breaking windshields in one swift motion, along with the proper placement of the “Jaws of Life” in between the car door and frame.
“You really have to warn the patient about it because you don’t want an injured patient to be startled,” he told the students as they stood around the car.
Brown added that the extractions demonstrated are used not only by East Peoria but also by departments all around the United States.
“These end up being the docs we talk to on the radio,” he said.
Assistant Chief John Knapp said the practice benefits both the firefighters and paramedics.
“It gives the paramedics an idea of extrication time,” Knapp said. “We’re working under time constraints. …
Sometimes there’s a lack of understanding. We’re popping out windows, cutting roofs and removing parts — it gives them a better perspective.”
Jeremy Monroe, 30, of Burley, Idaho, said he gained a better understanding after Thursday’s training.
“It looks easy,” Monroe said, after trying out the “Jaws of Life.” “But it’s really not. You have to see how it feels.”
For more photos, visit the photo gallery online.
Deploying air bags, breaking windshields and using the “Jaws of Life” — These were just a few of the rescue scenarios practiced Thursday morning by 30 OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Emergency Department students under the guidance of East Peoria
firefighters.
For nearly three hours at the Festival of Lights Building these students learned what it takes to extract victims from inside vehicles.
“We’re having a lot of fun. We’re getting a lot of perspective on what happens to patients before they come to the ER,” said Jeff Beers, 29, of Austin, Texas. “It’s always good to have a good relationship with the paramedics and firefighters.”
Fire Lt. Brett Brown demonstrated the proper way of breaking windshields in one swift motion, along with the proper placement of the “Jaws of Life” in between the car door and frame.
“You really have to warn the patient about it because you don’t want an injured patient to be startled,” he told the students as they stood around the car.
Brown added that the extractions demonstrated are used not only by East Peoria but also by departments all around the United States.
“These end up being the docs we talk to on the radio,” he said.
Assistant Chief John Knapp said the practice benefits both the firefighters and paramedics.
“It gives the paramedics an idea of extrication time,” Knapp said. “We’re working under time constraints. …
Sometimes there’s a lack of understanding. We’re popping out windows, cutting roofs and removing parts — it gives them a better perspective.”
Jeremy Monroe, 30, of Burley, Idaho, said he gained a better understanding after Thursday’s training.
“It looks easy,” Monroe said, after trying out the “Jaws of Life.” “But it’s really not. You have to see how it feels.”
For more photos, visit the photo gallery online.
