Stabilization Training 2010

August 24 , 2010: The Rescue and crew from Clifford joined Greenfield for some in-house training with the newest addition to reenfield's stabilization capabilities. The Junkyard Dogs (rescue struts) were put into service after a basic training session was held by both companies. The Junkyard Dogs on Engine 24 are the same ones as Rescue 18 and several other surrounding companies. Chief 18 (T. Turner) explained the basics of setting up the "Dogs" and basic components to each piece: a long extend, up to 81 inches, a short extend, up to 42 inches and a "sidewinder" a scissor jack type for temporary stabilization.

Once the basics were learned, both crews headed outside for some hands-on with the "Dogs." Crews were shown the basic undercarriage of a passenger vehicle also noting that different vehicles have different undercarriages and many different grab points for stabilizing a vehicle. The crews learned positioning, spiking, and securing the "Dogs" for stabilizing the many different vehicles, including on-road and off-road such as hay wagons and tractors. Several scenarios were used with passenger vehicles on their side and roof. (A hydraulic winch can also be used for temporary stabilization for vehicles on their side.) The crews rotated between two vehicles taking turns setting up and taking down the "Dogs." A hearty Thank You goes out to Chief Trent Turner, Assistant Chief Walt Turner, and the whole Rescue 18 crew for the use of their "Dogs" and lighting during training.