MVFD Extrication Training with School Bus
 
By Firefighter/EMT Ronald K Raley
November 27, 2000
 

The Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department obtained an old school bus for extrication purposes. On November 27, 2000 at our regular Monday night drill, firefighters practiced their extrication and rescue skills on this vehicle. The side and the rear of the bus were opened to simulate a multiple rescue incident. Firefighters had to crawl through the front windshield of the bus in order to gain access to victims.
 
Units: Squad 2
 
Firefighters immediately stabilized the school bus using 4 X 6 Cribbing.
Firefighters immediately stabilized the school bus using 4 X 6 Cribbing.
In order for stabilization to be effective, the vehicle must be stabilized at three points.
In order for stabilization to be effective, the vehicle must be stabilized at three points.
 
Access was gained through the windshield after cutting it out with the Glass Master™.
Access was gained through the windshield after cutting it out with the Glass Master™.
Firefighters began removing the window frames.
Firefighters began removing the window frames.
 
Firefighter/EMT Raley removing the window frames with a Halogen Tool.
Firefighter/EMT Raley removing the window frames with a Halogen Tool.
The sheet metal had to be punctured in order to cut the post.
The sheet metal had to be punctured in order to cut the post.
 
Firefighters pay close attention waiting their turn.
Firefighters pay close attention waiting their turn.
Lieutenant Nelson cuts the post with the "O" Cutters.
Lieutenant Nelson cuts the post with the "O" Cutters.
 
Firefighters began to work on each side to see which tool will be more effective.
Firefighters began to work on each side to see which tool will be more effective.
An interior image of the Rescuers.
An interior image of the Rescuers.
 
Firefighter Jim Gray begins to cut the hinges on the rear of the bus.
Firefighter Jim Gray begins to cut the hinges on the rear of the bus.
Once the side of the bus is folded, a final cut releases the sheet metal.
Once the side of the bus is folded, a final cut releases the sheet metal.
 
Cadet Firefighters practicing their extrication skills.
Cadet Firefighters practicing their extrication skills.
The work of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department !!!
The work of the Mechanicsville Volunteer Fire Department !!!
 
The rear of the bus is easily cut and folded out.
The rear of the bus is easily cut and folded out.
The overall objectives of the drill were met as firefighters begin cleaning up the equipment.
The overall objectives of the drill were met as firefighters begin cleaning up the equipment.