March 15, 2009

Seminole's response areas include many heavily-traveled intersections on U.S. 29, Rio Rd, and Hydraulic Rd, as well as a stretch of divided highway on the 250 Bypass. Due to our station's location and staffing levels, we have invested in extrication equipment on our first-out engines - including cribbing, stabilization struts, hand tools, pneumatic tools, electric tools, and hydraulic tools (Jaws of Life). As such, we place a great emphasis on our members obtaining the necessary training to use these tools safely and effectively. A large component of that training is participation in the Vehicle Extrication Technician (VEHEXT) class offered at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad (CARS). This course is 21 hours in length and meets exceeds NFPA Standard 1670 & VDFP HTR vehicle rescue operations level.

This year, 18 Seminole members participated in the class.
Participants: Bob Albrecht, Eleanor Kirk, Lauren Laessig, Robbie Norton, Aaron Horton, Nick Kevey, Charlie Cameron, Britney Harper, and Jon Hylton
Instructors: Dennis Hahn, Eric Eccles, Drew Lawrence, Sean O'Connor, Chris Wiles, Neale Nickels, Ravi Sarpatwari, Andrew Barros, Alex Belgard