Continuing the tradition of being a progressive department, the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department has purchased new Holmatro Rescue Equipment using privately raised funds. On September 11, 2006 following the regular department meeting, a representative from Holmatro did a presentation on the differences between the new Holmatro equipment and Hurst rescue equipment. Following the presentation members were given an opportunity to test drive the tools on 2 cars which were donated to the department.

The members quickly understood and recognized the inovations and improvements in the new Holmatro equipment. Some of the benefits of the Holmatro equipment are the CORE (which stands for COaxial Rescue Equipment technology) hose system, which features the high pressure line enclosed in the low pressure line. This helps to prevent injuries from leaks, and system failures. Another advantage to this setup is there is only 1 hose to connect instead of 2, and it is a much simpler connection. The hose itself cannot be kinked preventing the circulation of the fluid either. The hoses are kevlar reinforced, and it is virtually impossible to kink them, even by tieing a knot in them. The Holmatro equipment also operates at 10,500 psi, whereas the Hurst equipment was only capable of 5,000 psi, which translates to faster and easier extrications. The equipment can also be connected and disconnected while running, unlike the Hurst, which requires the line to be "dumped" prior to disconnecting a tool.

Upon ordering the tools, Holmatro sent the same representative back to Middlebury to conduct another training session for those members that had missed the first demonstration and to go into a little more detail in the operation of the tools. Again, members were given 2 donated cars and got an opportunity to work with the tools, and learn the new techniques available to them given the improved equipment.

The Fire Department is commited to ensuring the safety of the citizens of Middlebury, and when called upon, the citizens in the surrounding communities. By purchasing this equipment valuable time is gained during extrications, and the extra two or three minutes can make a major difference. The equipment was placed into service on Rescue 1 on Saturday June 2, 2007.

The old Hurst equipment that has served the department well, and seen many years of use. We have and will continue to utilize the 4 Milwaukee Sawz-alls seen in the back left corner. Next is the O-Cutter, The Combo Tool, The 32-A Spreader, and a small ram. In the front is the large ram.

The New Holmatro Equipment purchased by the Department. On the back of the table is the portable powerplant designed to run the tools. We opted to get a portable unit because of the versatility in it's deployment. The Ram, Cutters, and Spreader are on the left side of the table, and the three lengths of hose are on the right.

On the left, the Holmatro representative demonstrates the ease of connecting and disconnecting the hoses. On the Right, Firefighter Mike Dayton uses the Spreader to get better access to the hinges of the door.

On the left, Firefighter Paul Phillips uses the Cutters to create relief cuts to enable other firefighters to perform a dash roll. On the Right, Firefighter Dave Bunnell uses the spreader to gain access to the hinges.

On the left, Former Deputy Chief Bob Dawes uses the Cutters to cut the A-Post to enable a dash roll. On the Right the spreading range is demonstrated on the Ram. It should be noted that closed the ram is approximately 20 inches long.

On the left Firefighter Mike Proulx uses the ram to perform the dash roll. On the Right, Firefighter Jon Vaughan uses the spreaders to gain access to the pin on the back door.

On the left, a view from the inside of the car, while Firefighter Dave Shaban uses the cutters in a third door evolution. On the right Firefighter Mike Proulx uses the cutters to cut the C-Post on the car.

Chief Perrotti makes some final remarks on the evening following the removal of the roof.

The left photo is one of the driver's side of the car following a dash roll, and the right photo is that of the passenger side of the car following the dash roll. The reason to perform a dash roll during extrication is to allow rescuers acces to the patient's feet, which (in the case of the driver) often become entangled around the pedals.