In the State of Connecticut a firefighter must undergo 160 hours of training prior to becoming certified as Firefighter I. Following that, should the Firefighter choose, they may undertake a Firefighter II certification class. Chief Paul Perrotti runs the class which requires a tremendous amount of time, both in terms of classroom time, as well as class preparation time. Eighteen Firefighters from Middlebury, Watertown, and Woodbury are enrolled in the class. This class is only 90 hours, however there are more technical details that must be learned. Topics covered include Hazardous Materials Operations (30 hours included in the curriculum), a more detailed view of Fire Alarms, Fireground Tactics and Extrication. The testing process involves a Live Burn Exercise, a Practical Skills Evaluation, and a Written Exam.

In order to conduct these classes and tests, the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department relies heavily on the generosity of the citizens of Middlebury and surrounding towns. The cars that we use for the extrication classes are all donated to the department, and we are most appreciative and thankful. Without these donations we would be unable to conduct this valuable, life saving training.

Vehicle extrications can range from being relatively simple, to being very difficult and time consuming. There is one thing, however, that is consistent among all extrications, no two are alike. It takes a special eye to look at a vehicle and know how to gain access to the patient or patients in order to remove them from a vehicle. By practicing these skills the firefighters know how the cars react to the forces exerted by the tools, and how the tools react to the car. Special care must be taken to ensure the patient is not harmed further by the rescuers attempts to save them. With this practical knowledge, the firefighters can take the skills into the field and understand how to remove a person from a car safely.

	Hand tools may play a valuable role in the extrication process. To the left from top to bottom are a Flat Head Axe (not generally used for extrications, but may be useful in some situations), a Halligan Bar and a Sledge Hammer.
	The new Holmatro tools are placed into position for their first run, as well as the other tools needed.

Chief Paul Perrotti demonstrates how the spreader can be used to gain access to the door hardware on the car.
Following a few cuts, the passenger side door is removed by Woodbury Firefighters Murphy, Koukopoulos and Kiessling

	Middlebury Firefighter Vaughan prepares the Sawzall by attaching a long blade.
	Watertown Firefighter DiDominzio uses the Holmatro O-Cutters to cut the "A" post of the car on the passenger side.

Middlebury Firefighters Kasidas and Vaughan are assisted by Woodbury Firefighter Murphy in removing the roof and carrying it away from the vehicle. This would allow EMT's and Paramedics in the field more room to work, and make it easier for the removal of the patient.
Woodbury Firefighter Jeffrey uses the O-Cutters to make a relief cut in the hood of the car above the wheel.

	Firefighter Jeffrey next cuts the Pie Cuts by the front of where the door used to be to allow for a dash roll.
	The Class listens to Chief Perrotti as he gives instructions for the final portion of the drill.

Photos by Junior Firefighter Nick Santos, Story by Firefighter Jon Vaughan - Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department - All Rights Reserved.