A new extrication tool will help firefighters in Falmouth better respond to incidents in which motorists are trapped inside their vehicles. Firefighters from each of the five Falmouth Fire Rescue stations were trained on how to use a mobile, battery-powered extrication tool Tuesday, May 17, outside the department's East Falmouth Highway station.
Approximately 15 firefighters were trained with the tool during the session, while 58 members of the department have been trained to use the tool in total, Deputy Chief Timothy R. Smith said.
The department’s current extrication tools are powered by a generator located on a fire truck. The new tool is battery powered and can operate independently of the truck. It is not bound by hoses or cables.
Two out-of-service suburban utility vehicles were used for Tuesday’s training. Deputy Chief Smith said the new tool will not replace the standard generator-powered extrication tools, but it will allow for a quicker response to incidents in which fire officials need to create access to a damaged vehicle.